Memorial Day, observed in the United States of America to varying degrees and under varying names since the end of the Civil War, was officially named as such by Congress in 1967, and was moved to the last Monday in May by Congress on June 28, 1968, as part of the Uniform Holidays Bill.
There are those who object to Memorial Day’s being moved from its traditional date of observance to a Monday, believing that manipulating a day of solemn reflection simply to create a three-day weekend and an opportunity for retail sales, barbecues, and big movie grosses is disrespectful to the men and women the day is meant to celebrate.
On the other hand, having the phrase “Memorial Day Weekend” replace the singular “Memorial Day” in the national consciousness means that we may have as many as three days a year when professional athletes are ashamed to refer to one another as “warriors.”
And it’s hard not to be happy about that.
You have a point about the athletes, that's for sure. I'm campaigning to NOT shop on Memorial Day or Veterans Day. I think being excited about 1/2 price shoes on a day that was meant to honor our service men and women and those who died is just really disrespectful.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible that you simply haven't found the right pair of half-priced shoes--maybe if you did you'd change your tune!
DeleteHa! Well said, man!
ReplyDelete