You're doing Memorial Day wrong (amended)

On Memorial Day, did you say "thank you" to an active duty soldier? Did you offer a tribute to a living veteran who served honorably? Or did you pause to remember someone who had served in the armed forces years ago who later passed away?

If you said "yes" to any or all of these, you are missing the point of Memorial Day.

Yes, we should thank current members of the services... and the veterans who are still with us... and those who served and later died.

But today is not their day.

THIS is why we have a Memorial Day:

And this:

And this:

And this:

Memorial Day is not for the living, and it's not for those who served and came home. We have Veterans Day for those who served and came home, and Armed Forces Day for those currently wearing the uniform. But Memorial Day is for those who truly sacrificed.

It's for those who died during their service. Don't diminish this day of their honor.

Yes, you should pay tribute to all who have served this country honorably. But on this day, on Memorial Day, remember that this day stands for those who never came home.