[HAL 9000]

Well I do in my odd way. Today I watched a documentary on Gen. Douglas MacArthur which isn't really in keeping with the whole "honored dead" theme of Memorial Day. Nevertheless, a few seconds of my day were spent in reflection of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

So, my fellow Americans. Do any of you do anything to celebrate Memorial Day, or does the holiday scream SJ too much for your N dominant souls to handle?

[MyotisLucifugus]

I used to, as my ex-boyfriend lived along a really neat parade route, but I stayed home this year. Today's one of the few days I haven't had to go into work, and I'd planned on hanging out, maybe playing a video game or screwing off online (mission: accomplished).

Funny story other INTJs might get a chuckle out of:

My mother (INFJ) flew in a few days ago, and we had a long conversation about several things (including MBTI) after I picked her up. Today she texts me.

Her: Where are you? What are you doing?
Me: I'm at home and not doing anything, really.
Her: I'm at your uncle's. You're not celebrating?
Me: No, I'm just hanging out.
Her: Why don't you come up here and get something to eat?
Me: I'm good, but thanks for the offer.
Her: You sure? I feel bad that you're alone!


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[HAL 9000]

Yeah, I rocked it out on COD today. That wasn't to be observant of anything, as I just wanted to shoot Nazis, Zombies, and some combination of the two.

Yep, INTJ story for sure.

[MyotisLucifugus]

I've never played COD, but I'm dying to snag a copy just so I can be McNamara for a little bit.
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[blackcoffee]

Not sure if this could really be considered celebrating, but I did the standard 'cook out by the pool with the neighbors' thing. All day I've been waiting to get back inside to curl up with a book.

[GrnEyz]

I took the boat out to the lake, drank several beers, consumed shrimp with cocktail sauce, and made it home alive.

[JSPAG]

To tell you the truth Memorial Day is a bit of a farce. Do Americans really want to honor their fallen warriors or just put on a yellow ribbon and donate a few dollars to some shitty Veterans association? A few parades and hotdogs is no way to honor the fallen.



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[Chameleon]

I remember all of the soldiers I served with that did not come back with us. I thank every combat veteran I can. I bring out my old army things and dust them off. I try to fight back all of the horrific images of war that I wish I never saw. I cry a bit. I swell with pride at the brave. Shake my fist at the cowards. Salute the flag. Play the American anthem. Tear up some more. You don't know how sad it is until you watch a 'hero flight.'

[Warrior]

I like Memorial Day. It's my second favorite holiday. We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and went to the local pool, but we also took some time to stop by the cemetary and walk by som eof the veterns' graves. It was a good opportunity to talk to the kids about the military, service, and what Memorial Day is for.

[rbc]

Originally Posted by Chameleon To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

I remember all of the soldiers I served with that did not come back with us. I thank every combat veteran I can. I bring out my old army things and dust them off. I try to fight back all of the horrific images of war that I wish I never saw. I cry a bit. I swell with pride at the brave. Shake my fist at the cowards. Salute the flag. Play the American anthem. Tear up some more. You don't know how sad it is until you watch a 'hero flight.'

This is the only kind of remembrance that matters. Cookouts and fishing are not the point -- it's like well-meaning but mostly-ignorant people who say "Happy Yom Kippur" to someone they know is Jewish, without realizing how very strange it is to tell someone you hope they enjoy their Day of Atonement.

Going to the cemetery and talking to kids about public service is a good start, but actually talking to living veterans to learn about their experiences (if you can find one who actually wants to talk; otherwise, just thank him, buy him a drink and walk away) or remembering your own friends and relatives who served is even better. It's supposed to be a somber day of reflection, especially for the ones who survived but still carry their wars around inside their heads.

Military service used to be a much bigger part of American society -- almost everyone has a relative who served in World War Two, but most people don't know anyone who's ever been to Iraq or Afghanistan. As many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, from buck private to full general, have been quoted as saying throughout the last decade, "America is not at war. The US military is at war; America is at the mall." Think of them, and their sacrifice and suffering; then ponder how it got that way, and what we might do about it.

[Warrior]

	Originally Posted by rbc To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	. . . . but actually talking to living veterans to learn about their experiences . . .

We do that a lot on Vetern's Day. I agree it is a good idea.

	. . .remembering your own friends and relatives who served is even better.

I didn't mention that in the post, but we try to do that as well.

All good ideas.

[True Rune]

I was gonna troll people, but had to work. :/