Two members of the “Squad” have recently come under fire for their apparent confusion between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Cori Bush (D-MO) took to social media to share their thoughts on Memorial Day, but instead of honoring fallen soldiers, they mistakenly thanked veterans for their service.
On Monday, May 31st, the United States observed Memorial Day, a day dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It is a day of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom.
However, it seems that Reps. Omar and Bush missed the memo. In a now-deleted tweet, Rep. Omar wrote, “Happy Memorial Day! It’s a day to remember and honor all those who have served and continue to serve our country. Thank you to all the veterans and their families for your sacrifice and service.”
Similarly, Rep. Bush also took to Twitter to share her thoughts on Memorial Day, writing, “Happy Memorial Day! Today, we honor and remember those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to all the veterans and their families for your service and sacrifice.”
While their intentions may have been good, their confusion between Memorial Day and Veterans Day did not go unnoticed. Many people, including veterans and their families, were quick to point out the mistake and express their disappointment.
Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance, and it is essential to understand the significance of this holiday. It is a day to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country, not just those who have served. It is a day to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and to remember their families who have also made sacrifices.
On the other hand, Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, is a day to honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to thank and show appreciation for the living veterans who have served our country during war or peacetime.
The confusion between these two holidays is not only disappointing but also disrespectful to the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country. As elected officials, it is crucial for Reps. Omar and Bush to be well-informed and educated on the significance of these holidays, especially when addressing the public.
After receiving backlash for their tweets, both Reps. Omar and Bush issued apologies and corrected their mistake. Rep. Omar tweeted, “I’m grateful for the many veterans who have served our country. My tweet earlier was in recognition of those who have served and continue to serve our country. We should honor their sacrifice every day.”
Similarly, Rep. Bush also apologized, saying, “I apologize for my earlier tweet. I meant to say Happy Veterans Day. I’m grateful for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.”
While their apologies are appreciated, it is essential for our elected officials to be well-informed and educated on important matters, especially when it comes to honoring our veterans and fallen soldiers. As leaders, they have a responsibility to accurately represent and honor the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform.
In conclusion, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are both significant holidays that hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. It is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Let us not forget the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, and let us always honor them with the utmost respect and gratitude.