Remember And Honor Memorial Day
May 25th, 2026
Joe has never felt comfortable with the greeting, “Happy Memorial Day.”
It’s not meant to be a happy day.
Joe adores summer. Women wear less and the cold beer tastes colder. Most importantly, the weather is nice and warm. It’s all good.
It also helps that the summer is traditionally bookmarked by three-day weekends, with America’s birthday right smack dab in the middle.
If you are like Joe, at some point today you will grill raw meat and crack open several beers. If you are fortunate, then you are watching glorious bikinis from a boat in the Gulf or at the beach. If so, saluto!
But please take a moment to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to guzzle beer, ingest mass quantities of meat and throw (digital) rocks at each other when discussing our beloved Bucs. A U.S. flag, small or large, on your property or apartment deck is always a great touch, too.
Remember that heroes didn’t come home.
Yes, our day at the beach is brought to you by those who hit the beach and never left it, whether it was at Normandy, Iwo Jima, Anzio or so many, many more.
May 25th, 2026 at 5:10 am
I’m with you Joe. I am a Marine Veteran. It isnt a reason to be ‘Happy’. It a time of reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice these Men and Women paid for the Freedom we all have.
May 25th, 2026 at 6:50 am
Air Force vet here. I’ll say I’m happy to honor those who have served. Thank you vets for your service and sacrifice.
May 25th, 2026 at 7:13 am
Americans can enjoy Labor day because of the heroics of our brave soldiers. Gratitude hardly explains their sacrifice. We are blessed by their ultimate sacrifice. May God bless America 🇺🇸
May 25th, 2026 at 8:10 am
🫡🇺🇸🙏❤️
May 25th, 2026 at 8:12 am
US Coast Guard vet here. I served in Guam and Hawaii in the 80’s. Joe is right – today is a somber day of reflection, gratitude and appreciation. Much Mahalo and respect to all of those that have served.
Fun Fact: During times of war, the Coast Guard is essentially absorbed by the US Navy. In fact – the landing craft at Normandy were piloted by US Coast Guard members.
May 25th, 2026 at 8:18 am
Amen.
May 25th, 2026 at 8:23 am
❤️
May 25th, 2026 at 8:42 am
The ultimate sacrifice laid at the altar of freedom.
May 25th, 2026 at 8:51 am
Thanks Joe for putting a reminder up about today and Veterans Day. I’m fifth generation to serve and third generation to be a paratrooper. I make sure to put the flag at half mast till noon to remember the fallen and up at noon then appreciate their sacrifice with my family. Life and freedom are precious but too many take it for granted. As always thank you for your site and your respect to veterans.
May 25th, 2026 at 9:02 am
Thanks. That’s on point. I get annoyed by people ‘thanking’ me for my service on Memorial Day. It’s not about me. It’s about all those that gave their lives. If you want to do something positive give to wounded warriors or some other veteran charity.
May 25th, 2026 at 9:15 am
And to all those who think this is a great day for launching fireworks, I truly hope your entire day gets rained out.
May 25th, 2026 at 9:18 am
Well said Joe. Amen to that.
May 25th, 2026 at 9:53 am
I went back to Vietnam for the first time this past April…
It was a good experience and I wish I had gone back earlier but it is what it is now.
27th SurgHosp ChuLai
95th EvacHosp Danang
I can still see everyone of them…
.
THE MELANCHOLY RIVER BEARS US ON.
WHEN THE MOON COMES THROUGH THE TRAILING WILLOW BOUGHS, I SEE YOUR FACE, I HEAR YOUR VOICE AND THE BIRD SINGING AS WE PASS THE OSIER BED. WHAT ARE YOU WHISPERING?
SORROW, SORROW. JOY, JOY. WOVEN TOGETHER, LIKE REEDS IN MOONLIGHT.
– VIRGINIA WOOLF –
May 25th, 2026 at 10:59 am
Thanks Joe.
Some brave folks before us, laid it all on the line for us.
We have a lot to be thankful for.
God bless all.
May 25th, 2026 at 11:51 am
Well said Joe and all in the chat, Active Duty Army here in Fort Bragg, retiring next July.
May 25th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Navy vet here.
Just got back from our local Memorial Day service, which was organized by the VFW. A very nice, very simple ceremony.
It reminded me of how blessed we are to have the freedoms we have. And that no matter how difficult things may get at times, there are those who paid a much higher price and made a much bigger sacrifice than anything I or my loved ones are going through.
Joe, thank you for consistently remembering Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day every year, and posting about it.
Bucs fans may disagree about what the team does or the best way to improve and move forward, but they’re a patriotic bunch!
And that makes me proud to be a fan with them.
May 25th, 2026 at 12:18 pm
Agreed Joe I’m a waiter and this waitress I work with kept telling people to have a happy Memorial Day. It drove me crazy. I finally said something.