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As usual you are right....
I can be a little anal about this holiday because I served 22 years in the military.
Memorial Day is to honor our hallowed fallen. Those who died protecting and fight for their country. It came out of the aftermath of the Civil War when ladies would decorate their fallen beloved’s graves with flags, ribbons and flowers.
It actually started in the Southern states, because, unlike the North, there were no annual celebrations, parades or speeches for the soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy. They fought for the shameful secessionists, according to the national conscience. So Southern ladies started bringing flowers and ribbons (no Confederate Battle Flags) to their graves each Spring. They named it Decoration Day. Some older people down here still call it that.
The Yankee occupiers allowed it, as it was showing any allegiance to the defeated nation—just the soldiers.
Veteran’s Day, on the other hand, honors all who served, living and dead, although I strongly believe Memorial Day should be reserved for those who fell in battle.
As usual you are right....
My GGrandfather died fighting for the Confederacy around Springfield MO. He was in the Missouri Cavalry and left 8 children and his wife signed up for a Confederate widows pension.
I think we have been in every war except the Revolutionary but there may be a possibility there.
I agree, We should honor ONLY the Fallen, possible from all sides.
Keep in Mind there are plenty of political Generals.
One Example - Retired Gen. Colin Powell. (2001 to 2005). The ultimate Washington insider, Powell, who has served four presidents, himself considered a run for the presidency in 1996.