There is a BIG difference between Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, and Veteran’s Day, celebrated on November 11. 

Unfortunately, the two are often confused. If you find yourself in this unsure of the difference, it may not even be your fault given the way the two holidays are portrayed with stores & sales, and often the media. Both holidays do celebrate the military, but very different aspects of the military.

It is your responsibility as a citizen to know the difference.

Hopefully understanding each holiday will clarify why each should be observed differently. The distinction lies right in their titles, but let’s set the record straight.

Memorial Day is the holiday set aside to pay tribute to those who died serving in the military.

Not long after the Civil War ended, Memorial Day began “unofficially” being observed. The month of May was supposedly chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. It wasn’t until 1971 Congress officially made it a holiday.

Veteran’s Day is designated to honor ALL who have served in the military…primarily intended to thank the living for their service.

Veteran’s Day was originally titled “Armistice Day” to celebrate the end of World War I. It wasn’t until 1954 that legislation designated Veteran’s Day an official, federal holiday.

{Just for a quick clarification: Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday of September, is not military related what-so-ever, but meant to honor every working American. Neither holiday is the same as Independence Day, celebrated July 4th, although the young fellow my friend encountered the other day didn’t seem to know that}

Now you know! Spread the word.

[sources: usa.gov, va.gov, military.com]