The coupling of commerce and big days on the calendar has a long tradition.

So we're pretty used to Labor Day Blowout Sales and Doorbuster Bargains on Columbus Day. Or whatever.

But Memorial Day Sales are the ones that give me pause.

Now I don't assume that the people running ads for such events have any less regard for the meaning of the holiday than I do. Nor do I think the essential real-world spirit of that weekend is solemn or contemplative.

Moreover, there is nothing saying a person couldn't get a good deal on lawn furniture AND spend time thinking about those who died during military service.

Still, it seems like there's a slightly jarring disconnect here.

I almost didn't bring this up because I feared it would sound like linking arms with the sort of wear-it-on-their-sleeves performance patriots I can't stand. You know, the kind of folks who regard national loyalty as some sort of simpleminded competition.

I'm just saying I have never gotten used to the whole Memorial Day Sale idea. That's all. 

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