Jason Rantz unpacks meaning of Memorial Day as study finds most young Americans don’t know it

KTTH Radio host Jason Rantz and Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, discussed the widespread misunderstanding of Memorial Day’s true meaning and encouraged listeners to approach the holiday with greater awareness and respect.

According to a Talker Research survey, only 27% of young Americans know the real reason behind Memorial Day. They often confuse it with Veterans Day. Rantz said he’s not as upset with the mix-up as he originally thought he’d be, but warned not to say “Happy Memorial Day.”

“I think their intent is good, and I wonder how you explain (the correct way) to people?” Rantz asked. “Maybe say, ‘I get what you mean, but it’s not happy Memorial Day—and here’s why.'”

Jake suggested the correct way to approach it.

“It is a national holiday,” Jake said, “So I will always say, ‘I hope you enjoy your three-day weekend,’ and you’re not saying something like, ‘I hope you have an awesome Memorial Day.'”

What is Memorial Day to Jason Rantz?

According to the survey, only 27% of Gen Z could explain the purpose of Memorial Day. Millennials didn’t fare much better at 38%, while 56% of baby boomers were able to do so.

For Rantz, Memorial Day isn’t just about mattress sales, barbecues, or three-day weekends—it’s a solemn day of remembrance for the brave men and women who gave their lives defending this country. It’s about honoring sacrifice—not “celebrating” a day off.

But he notes that, if you don’t understand the true meaning of Memorial Day, it’s not because the meaning changed, but because our culture got lazy, distracted, and increasingly disconnected from patriotism.

Listen to the full conversation below. 

Listen to The Jason Rantz Show on weekday afternoons from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the podcast here. Follow Jason Rantz on X, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

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