Artificial Intelligence and Memorial Day

Over the years, I have written a number of blog posts here on Memorial Day that honor those who sacrificed their lives for us through national military service.  You can find the last few here, here, and here.  When practicable, I work in something about business law in those posts.

This year, as I contemplated what to write, I also was mired in grading and other teaching-related work.  On my mind throughout was generative artificial intelligence, a hot topic in law school circles and throughout education (and, of course, elsewhere, too).  The full range of benefits and burdens of generative artificial intelligence still remain to be discovered.

I wondered what a generative artificial intelligence tool would draft up as a blog post for Memorial Day.  Then, I thought, why wonder?  Why not give it a whirl?  So, I asked Google Gemini to "[w]rite a short blog post that combines business law with Memorial Day."  Set forth below is what I got back.

Honoring Heroes, Respecting Rights: Business Law and Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who died serving our country. But for businesses, it also presents some legal considerations. Here's a quick look at how business law intersects with this solemn holiday.

• • Employee Rights: Federal law doesn't mandate paid time off for Memorial Day. However, some states have their own laws, and many companies offer paid holidays as part of employee contracts. Businesses must ensure they're following all applicable laws and agreements regarding employee pay and scheduling for the holiday.

  • Business Closings: If your business plans to close for Memorial Day, it's crucial to communicate this clearly to employees and customers well in advance. This helps avoid confusion and ensures smooth operations upon reopening.

  • Sales and Promotions: While Memorial Day weekend often unofficially kicks off the summer shopping season, it's important to be mindful of the true meaning of the holiday. Avoid promotions or marketing that appears disrespectful to the somber occasion.

  • Community Engagement: Businesses can choose to honor veterans and fallen soldiers by participating in local Memorial Day events or supporting veterans' charities. This demonstrates respect for the holiday's purpose while fostering positive community relations.

By understanding these legal aspects, businesses can ensure a respectful and compliant approach to Memorial Day, allowing them to honor our heroes while adhering to the law.

Honestly, it's not too far off from some of what I have posted in the past.  I am not sure whether to be sad or happy about that.  But now I no longer have to wonder . . . .

Regardless, I do want to continue to pay respect to those who have died in military service to our country.  May they rest in eternal peace knowing that their lives and work are remembered and appreciated on this Memorial Day and every Memorial Day.