[photo courtesy of allfestivalcelebration.com]
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is also Veterans Day here in the US:
[photo courtesy of newsmint.org]
Today is a day of sending heart-felt thanks to all of those who have served (and are serving) in the Canadian Forces and the U.S. Military. Your dedication, sacrifice, honor, and selflessness is filled with immense gratitude and appreciation.
Today I watched the Remembrance Day Ceremony from Canada’s capital; Ottawa, Ontario. There were WWII veterans in attendance. How poignant to see expressions on some of the faces of these 90-plus year old souls that reflected the memories of their experiences. It is interesting to watch a WWII veteran during this somber ceremony; it begs the questions: What were they recalling at that moment? Is it something too horrific to comprehend for most of us? Are they thinking of their fallen comrades who never had the opportunity to experience a full life past the tender age of 20?
I have noticed a lot of advertising here in the U.S. touting the phrase, “Happy Veterans Day”. To me, this is certainly not the appropriate sentiment. I would rather see only messages of thanks, gratitude, and honor for our veterans on both sides of the Canadian/U.S. border. We must never become complacent in our demonstration of recognition and acknowledgement of their service.
Thank you, dear veterans; we will not forget.
The Chicago Files 
I think using “Happy” is not very appropriate.
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I don’t either, Ronnie. It doesn’t seem appropriate, does it? Cher xo
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I agree with you, Cher, about the ‘happy’ – I don’t remember really ever seeing that before? Or maybe I’m just more sensitive these days but it doesn’t sit right with me at all.
Thank you for your beautiful post. We will never forget our dear veterans.
XOXO
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Thank you, dear Allison. I am saddened by the use of that word in any context related to our veterans. No, it doesn’t sit right with me at all either. I’ll have to say, “Thank You, Veterans” instead of, “Happy Veterans Day”. Cher xo
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I had the same feeling towards ‘Happy’ as well, it is a sentiment used by the corporate people used to make profit, just saying
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100% agree with you, Andy! Shameful, isn’t it? Cher xo
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Very :-\
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Moving post Cher. I too have noticed this kind of advertising seeping in. It’s tragic and needs to be stopped. To exploit the sentiments behind this time of Remembrance is unacceptable. It’s an insult to the very people you describe in your post.
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Thank you, dear Don! It does need to be stopped, doesn’t it? I quite agree; it is an insult and should never be used to describe our words of honor for the veterans. Cher xo
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Veterans Day and Remembrance Day are being overshadowed by consumerism – everything is.
I saw a Veteran selling poppies beside a tacky blowup Olaf the other day, made me feel queasy. Not a proud moment for our society.
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Yes, I agree, Donna. Oh no, that is dreadful! I feel queasy just thinking about it. Such a misguided society at times. Cher xo
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I haven’t really noticed an increase in advertising, here anyone, but it’s certainly not a day for Happy. A day for solemn, sombre reflection yes but let’s save Happy for Halloween, Easter and New Year’s.
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Perfectly stated, Norm! I think what you have written should be included on a poster; something like, “Veterans Day: Let’s save Happy sentiments for Halloween, Easter, and New Year’s”. Cher xo
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Using “happy” in this instance is highly inappropriate. Further, every night we have seen advertisements galore on the TV for clothing sales at the major retailers and other companies advertising their goods. Again, highly inappropriate. This fits right in with the Christmas season advertising and the Black Friday thing. America seems to worship consumerism over Jesus come the time of year. Very bothersome. Apologies for the ranting.
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John, I concur. No, please, I do appreciate your comments! I agree; it is bothersome, isn’t it? I am afraid Canada seems to have joined some of this consumerism; apparently I am told that the country has begun some, “Black Friday” sales pitches of its own! We have never, ever had such a shopping designation, ever; what is going on, I am afraid to know!! Cher xo
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I agree with you about the HAPPY. You may want to read my post. I think they dovetail as if we planned it. Hugs, Barbara
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Hi Barbara, thank you for your comments! Yes, I just read your wonderful post. I completely agree; isn’t it cool when this sort of thing happens? In sync about a very important subject. Thanks to all veterans; bless them. Cher xo
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Reblogged this on IdealisticRebel's Daily View of Favorites.
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Found ironic that you actually wrote the “happy veterans day” here, since yesterday I posted exactly that, a phrase to the effect of ” don´t in the U.S they say happy veterans day since I remember it from the day I lived there quite some time ago I don´t see what´s happy about it but anyways” or something to that effect and then went into a little story of mine.
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Well that certainly is ironic, isn’t it? I’ll check out your post! Yes, I think it is absolutely wrong to say, “Happy” when referring to Veterans Day. It is a day of honoring, not a day of merriment. Cher xo
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Thank you for this Cher.
It matters little what it is called, so long as they are not forgotten for the price they paid for us all to be free.
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Thank you, Donna! It is so vitally important that we never forget the price they paid; bless every one of them. Cher xo
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Very insulting is the phrase, “Happy Veterans Day.” As in Memorial Day, Veterans Day is not a day for celebrating, except for the fact that there are still veterans who are living. The advertisers who put the “Happy” into their ads are not making recognition of the real meaning of the day. Cher, thanks for this lovely post, honoring all our veterans. 🙂
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Hi dear Carol! You have described this perfectly in a way that I could not. Thank YOU much!! Cher xo
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As I’ve been getting older and crankier I’ve been coming around to liking more the old (in the United States) name of Armistice Day, and the thought that maybe we’re better off taking a day to consider that however much hurt and pain and hatred there is, it’s possible to choose to stop. And even if that’s only good for two decades of peace, that’s surely better than two more decades of fighting.
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Joseph, I absolutely love your idea! Brilliant! Thank you for sharing it with us. Cher xo
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Beautiful and timely post. I agree about the misuse of the Happy for Veteran’s Day. I think we get complacent and put ‘Happy’ in front of every holiday. It is done without thinking but that is the point. Are we all really thinking about the sacrifice made by these brave men and women. Thanks for bringing the issue to the forefront.
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Thank you for your comments, dear Teresa! I agree; it seems to be a ‘catch-all’ word, doesn’t it? And yet, we need to be mindful of the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication our military men and women exhibit. Thank you!!! Cher xo
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oh beautiful
xo
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Ah, bless, my dear Niki! Cher xo
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I echo your thoughts. We had very moving ceremonies here in the UK too.
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