Remember

**TheSp8** · 26th May 11, 07:03 PM

Here is a great song performed by the Dropkick Murphys, The Green Fields of France. Worth the listen.

http://youtu.be/zCvSc2b8CWc

YMOS,
Tony

**ohiopiper** · 27th May 11, 03:14 AM

I can think of nothing worthy to say that would not diminish what has already been said by everyone so far. As a veteran, I stand in the footprints of the giants who went before me, many paving the path to liberty in blood. May we as a civilization never forget the horrors of war nor the men who willingly wage it when it becomes necessary.

**FreddyBeachPete** · 27th May 11, 03:29 AM

A very moving video (with a Celtic influence) by Canadian musician Terry Kelly in honour of our Remembrance Day (Nov 11) but apropos on the US Memorial Day as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo

To all who have served: Thank You

**Jock Scot** · 27th May 11, 04:07 AM

I hope you don't mind a Brit asking, but what is the significance of May 30th for the USA?Why that day?

We have Nov 11th as a Commonwealth "Remembrance Day" and as I expect many know, Nov 11th 1918 was the last day of WW1 and that is "our" chosen day.

**Drac** · 27th May 11, 04:26 AM

Rememberance Day as it use to be called, now Veteran's Day to honor all war vets, is a day, like yours, that started honoring WWI vets. Eventually it became a day to honor all veterans. It is geared toward the honoring of the living.

Decoration Day, that became Memorial Day, is more for honoring those who have fallen.

Jim

**Jock Scot** · 27th May 11, 04:31 AM

Originally Posted by Drac

Rememberance Day as it use to be called, now Veteran's Day to honor all war vets, is a day, like yours, that started honoring WWI vets. Eventually it became a day to honor all veterans. It is geared toward the honoring of the living.

Decoration Day, that became Memorial Day, is more for honoring those who have fallen.

Jim

Thank you Jim I understand that bit, but is there any actual significance to the actual date of May 30th? Was the US army founded on that day? A significant battle? The end of a war? Just a date chosen at random by someone?

**Downunder Kilt** · 27th May 11, 04:38 AM

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget

**Drac** · 27th May 11, 04:52 AM

Originally it was May 30th because it was not the day of a battle (Wiki) but since has become a rotating day. It is the last Monday of May. It was changed to give a 3 day weekend.

That is where it started loosing its meaning. Became the opening of the summer season. The parks, beaches and pools would always open on Memorial Day where I grew up. It also became the BBQ Day of the season (not that we need an excuse to BBQ here) and the big sales day.

Jim

**Jock Scot** · 27th May 11, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by Drac

Originally it was May 30th because it was not the day of a battle (Wiki) but since has become a rotating day. It is the last Monday of May. It was changed to give a 3 day weekend.

That is where it started loosing its meaning. Became the opening of the summer season. The parks, beaches and pools would always open on Memorial Day where I grew up. It also became the BBQ Day of the season (not that we need an excuse to BBQ here) and the big sales day.

Jim

Got it!Thanks Jim.

**seanachie** · 27th May 11, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Got it!Thanks Jim.

Jock: Flags are flown at 1/2 mast until noon and then raised to full mast right at noon. Memorial Day ceremonies often include this as part of the service and it is very moving. I am not drawing comparisons, but I love the tradition from Remberance Day ceremonies of the pipes playing Flowers of the Forest, it just really moves me.