Not being a stick in the mud at all. I served in the Navy from '61-65 and was aboard a carrier in the war zone. Always refer to myself as serving in the Vietnam war era and not a Vietnam veteran. Memorial Day indeed should be for honoring those who have lost their lives in service. I'll go one step further. I see no need for a veterans day. If we're going that far how about police officers, firefighters and first responders day. Many of those were and are at greater risk than I was aboard a carrier.