What's Got Mike Hacked Off Today?

In the current issue of 'What's Got Mike Hacked Off Today?' is Walgreens' Memorial Day television commercial. At the end of the advertisement, a sing-songy happy voice narrates, "We wish all of those who served a very happy Memorial Day!" (I'm paraphrasing and may be off a word or two, but that was pretty much it.)

What gets me is many people don't get Memorial Day and Walgreens' ad proves it magnificently. Memorial Day may be a National holiday and the unofficial kickoff to Summer -- hopefully we will spend it well and with our loved ones -- but it is actually a somber day; a day to reflect in memoriam at those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country: their lives.

Memorial Day should be a lot of things -- reflective, appreciative, thankful, honorable, respectful, enjoyable, etc. -- but happy? I don't know. Walgreens' wish for happiness runs askew of the reason for the holiday. It's disaffected corporate advertising prattle, but I know it also reflects many's misunderstanding of the holiday.

The millions of honorable men and women that serve and have served deserve our recognition and gratitude every. single. day. Their service to our country is a tough and noble task and one that many of us elected not to pursue. We are all indebted to their patriotic service and we should be thankful for them always and not just on their holidays: Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day.

But please take a moment tomorrow to think of our service members who have fallen in service to our country. If you've been fortunate to never had lost a family member during service, think of those who have. And if you have, please know that you have my highest gratitude for the sacrifice you have borne.

"Grateful" Memorial Day

Of course we are happy today. For most of us, we've got a day off of work and it's made even better by the fact that the day off is a Monday -- typically the most difficult day of the week. But on Memorial Day, I've never been comfortable when people say "Happy Memorial Day!" A Memorial Day greeting should express gratitude and be a touch more somber. It should pay respect to our veterans who both served our country and, especially, to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Every year for me, Memorial Day is the one holiday that packs the most meaning into a day off. Many years we'll go to a service at Wood National Cemetery. This year we missed it, but within moments of posting this update, we will visit the cemetery and pay my respects to my father -- who is buried there -- and other veterans.

If you are resident of Southeastern Wisconsin and have never visited Wood National, I can't implore you enough to visit. Not only is it historical and grand, it will give you perspective on just how significant the sacrifice made by our veterans was and is.

I can't visit without getting a lump in my throat.

Maybe "Grateful Memorial Day!" would be more appropriate.

P.S. -- When you visit Wood, find my Dad's memorial stone and thank him from bringing me into your life. (Or blame him. Your choice!)