what is the difference between veterans day and memorial day?
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are both patriotic holidays that honor the military, but they are not the same in any way other than when they fall on the calendar.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two important holidays in the United States that are often confused with each other. Although both holidays are dedicated to honoring those who have served in the U.S. military, they have different origins and meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day to help you better understand the significance of each holiday.
Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually on the last Monday of May. It was originally known as Decoration Day and was established to honor the Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. Over time, Memorial Day expanded to become a day to remember and honor all Americans who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The holiday serves as a day of mourning and remembrance for fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. On Memorial Day, flags are flown at half-mast, and families and friends of the fallen often visit cemeteries and memorials to place flowers and wreaths.
Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, with many communities hosting parades, picnics, and other events to celebrate the holiday. However, it is important to remember that the true purpose of Memorial Day is to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Veterans Day: A Day of Celebration
Veterans Day is a holiday to honor and celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans. It is observed annually on November 11th and marks the end of World War I, which officially ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
The holiday was originally called Armistice Day and was established to commemorate the end of the war. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans, not just those who served in World War I.
On Veterans Day, Americans pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Veterans are honored with parades, speeches, and other events, and many organizations and businesses offer discounts and freebies to veterans as a way of saying thank you for their service.
Differentiate Between Memorial Day & Veterans Day
| Introduction | Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. | Veterans Day is an official United States holiday which honors people who have served in armed service also known as veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Last Monday in May | November 11 |
| Observances | Remembrance of American war dead | Honoring everyone who has served in armed service |
| Origin | After the American Civil War, to commemorate both Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the war. | After World War I, to honor veterans who had served in World War I. |
| Originally known as | Decoration Day | Armistice Day |
| Birth of the Holiday | May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, NY | November 11, 1919 |
| Declared by President | Lyndon B Johnson | Woodrow Wilson |
| Observed by | United States | United States |
| Type | National | National |
| Frequency | Annual | Annual |
| What institutions are closed? | Government offices, agencies and institutions; schools. | Government offices, agencies and institutions; schools. |
| Are private companies & institutions closed? | Because Memorial Day is always a Monday, employees usually get the day off to make it a long weekend. | Sometimes, not necessarily. Depends on the employer policy. |
The similarity between Memorial Day & Veterans Day
| Observed by | United States | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Type | National | National |
| Frequency | Annual | Annual |
| What institutions are closed? | Government offices, agencies, and institutions; schools. | Government offices, agencies, and institutions; schools. |
Conclusion
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two important days in the United States that serve different purposes. Memorial Day is a day of mourning and remembrance for those who have died while serving in the U.S. military, while Veterans Day is a day of celebration for all U.S. military veterans. By understanding the differences between these two holidays, we can better honor and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
