In 2005, Google issued the following explanation for their failure to create a customized logo for Memorial Day:

We have to balance this rotating calendar with the need to maintain the consistency of the Google homepage.

Furthermore, Google’s special logos tend to be lighthearted in nature. If we were to commemorate Memorial Day, we would want to express reverence, rather than mirth. This would be a particularly challenging design. We would not want to, in any way, create a graphic that could be interpreted as disrespectful. In light of the mail we have received about this, we are actively considering designs we could display on this day next year. We welcome any suggestions you may have.

Quite a few people have offered suggestions to Google, in the three years since they first made this excuse.

Yet, here’s Google today.

What’s the excuse this year?

UPDATE at 5/26/08 9:37:59 am:

Yahoo does the right thing. They also have a special page dedicated to Memorial Day. (Marred by the inclusion of a loony left anti-war link, but at least they do respect the occasion.)