Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: What’s the Difference?

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are official public holidays across the United States. Both recognize those who served in the United States Armed Forces. But here are the key differences:

What the days honor

• Memorial Day: This is to honor military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Veterans Day: A holiday to remember everyone who served in the military, period, whether or not they served in wartime.

When they’re observed

• Memorial Day: the last Monday of May
• Veterans Day: November 11 of each year

How they’re observed

• Memorial Day: Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often decorate the graves at national cemeteries with American flags, placing one on each grave. Many towns will hold parades, as well. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.
• Veterans Day: Towns hold parades, churches schedule special services, and families come together to thank living veterans for their service and to remember all those who served. Don’t miss these simple ways to continue honoring veterans even after these holidays have passed.

How each originated

• Memorial Day: It was first celebrated a year after the end of the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the nation’s first national cemeteries, according to History.com. Until 1971, it was known as “Decoration Day” in reference to the decoration of graves.
• Veterans Day: The first celebration was on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. Hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Until 1954, Veterans Day was known as “Armistice Day.”

Another day to keep in mind members of the military

Another holiday honoring members of the military is Armed Forces Day, which honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. It is observed in May but is not a bank holiday. Here are 45 things that members of the U.S. military wish you knew.

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