Once again we head toward another misunderstood holiday, Memorial Day. As a brother of one who died serving his country, I represent many who feel the same way.

Marketing and advertising departments are paid large amounts of money to bring customers into their events, but at what expense to the truth? I’ve been watching a TV commercial daily telling me about the largest Memorial Day event in America honoring the men and women who serve in the military. Are these marketing experts ignorant to what Memorial Day is truly about, or is it not glamorous enough?

It’s not just them, it’s the vast number of Americans who just don’t care. Businesses just look at it as another sales opportunity.

Look at the dwindling number of true Memorial Day ceremonies.

And just in case you truly do not know the difference, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, we honor all those who served. Memorial Day is only for those men and women who died while serving our country.

I feel it is up to the larger events to set the mood, and honoring our men and women in service on Memorial Day is a slap in the face of the families who lost their loved one in service to our country.

Want to make a difference? Share this around the country with your friends. Call these places who ignore the true meaning of Memorial Day and tell them your displeasure. Tell your children what Memorial Day is about.

— Michael Chapman

Salisbury