How do people observe Veterans Day?
LOI have to at least echo Michael’s answer. Like most federal holidays, people have long forgotten these were meant to be civic “holy days.” The crass commercialization makes me turn the channel, turn away, etc. While Memorial Day is, and should be more solemnly observed, Veterans Day is still a somber time for me, in recognition that the living still made their share of sacrifices, both veterans and family members. Many of us live with survivor’s guilt in one form or another, whether otherwise physically or mentally or emotionally wounded.At the same time, it is a time of pride for our service, and a remembrance of our brothers and sisters in arms, both living and dead. Parades and memorial services seem appropriate; many of us came home without either.At the same time, 90 percent of veterans never saw combat, 50 percent served in times of peace, and nearly all of us recognize that there are too many people who still do not understand how our fighting in foreign lands ensured our own freedom at home. So, liberal use of terms like “heroes,” and “fought for our freedom,” etc., can be grating, embarrassing, humiliating, and even maddening to most of us.So, yes, for me, as a veteran, Veterans Day is celebrated with solemnity, pride, humility, quiet reflection, and a certain number of tears. I cannot speak for how non-veterans or their families celebrate the day.
Why are so many people driving pickup trucks with American flags sticking up from them?
Many people won’t understand this, but it’s simple pride. They are proud to be American and want everyone to know it. Hanging that flag off a pickup is about as American as it gets. It’s an overt display of patriotism that many in Europe might find tacky and some American liberals don’t feel is deserved, but nonetheless there are people who do love to be American and like to show it.It’s not really my thing but I get it. ‘Merica!