Memorial Day is an annual federal United States holiday that is dedicated to mourning and honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Unlike Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day, it's generally discouraged to wish people a "Happy" Memorial Day, because it is a day of remembrance.

Why You Shouldn't Say Happy Memorial Day

For Amelia Greene, there is nothing happy about Memorial Day.

Greene lost her father, U.S. Army Major General Harold Greene, when he was shot in 2014 at a training facility in Kabul, Afghanistan.

I’ve gotten ‘Happy Memorial Day’ in promotional emails from brands and it’s really distressing to hear, because it is a day to memorialize people who died in war," Greene told TODAY Parents. “So it’s not happy, and it’s really not happy for me.”

What to Say Instead of Happy Memorial Day | Carrot Top Flags | Carrot-Top Flags

What to say instead of ‘Happy Memorial Day’

Before you think this is splitting hairs, consider that what you say matters.

While it’s certainly not “wrong” to wish someone a “Happy Memorial Day,” and it’s safe to assume most people are well-intentioned, it seems as though taking a few minutes to say the right thing will mean that much more.

After all, the day is about more than backyard parties and barbecues. Let’s prove it by taking a moment to examine our words.

Can you say "Happy Memorial Day"?

So, can you say "Happy Memorial Day?" Yes, of course, you can...especially if it comes from a place of grateful joy for the life we live today that was provided by the sacrifices of generations before. On Memorial Day, take time to reflect on the men and women who gave it all for us. Find a way to memorialize this for yourself and your family. 

From Wounded Warrior Project:

What is Memorial Day? Facts, Meaning, and History | WWP

What can I say instead of “Happy Memorial Day”?
Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Memorial Day, it's important to remember we are honoring our fallen. For many, this day is not a happy occasion but a solemn one. Here is some guidance on the appropriate messages to convey:

Rather than “Happy Memorial Day,” say something like “Have a meaningful Memorial Day.”
It’s also not appropriate to thank a service member for their service on this day, as it is a day for remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Take a moment to recognize and remember.

You can even say, “Today and always, I’m remembering [name].”

Remember to speak from the heart and with sincerity, acknowledging the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by those we honor.

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I found the comment above from the Wounded Warrior Project to be something I had never heard befor: "It’s also not appropriate to thank a service member for their service on this day, as it is a day for remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice."