I lived with my grandpa for several years growing up, who was a crusty old WWII veteran and patriot. A lot of my views on the holiday are influenced by him.

One of my early memories of my grandpa was him chewing out my cousin for thanking him for his sacrifice on Memorial day 😆 he would spend the first hour or two every Memorial day morning, alone, visiting his brother's grave who died in the war. He let me come with him one Memorial day a few years before he died. It was a sacred, special moment.

Im totally cool with remembering others who have passed on on memorial day too, just as long as that isn't taking the place of remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and causes.

I think it would be a great idea to have a separate American holiday, like other cultures do, to honor our ancestors and friends who have passed on.

Hope everyone has a had a good Memorial day.