What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
THROUGHOUT the year, there are many days when Americans take the time to honor members of the U.S. military.
Two of the most celebrated days are Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but there are a few differences between them.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
One of the key differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is who we honor.
Memorial Day, which dates back to the Civil War era, is meant to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and died while serving the country whereas Veterans Day typically honors those who are still with us today.
Another difference is how the days are celebrated.
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For example, Memorial Day is meant to honor the fallen soldiers and many will do that by attending memorial services within their communities or by bringing flowers to the graves of local Veterans.
On Veterans Day, many spend the day showing appreciation to friends and family who are or have served.
When is Memorial Day?
Each year, Memorial Day is held on the last Monday in May and is recognized as a federal holiday.
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Before it was called Memorial Day, it was established in 1861 as "Decoration Day" by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, who created the day as a way for the nation to honor the graves of those who died in the Civil War with flowers, according to the US Veterans Affairs Department.
It was later made a federal holiday in 1938 and changed to Memorial Day in 1967 by President Lyndon Johnson.
Waterloo, New York, was also established as the "birthplace" of Memorial Day after a ceremony was held in 1866 honoring local veterans who fought in the Civil War, the US Veterans Affairs Department adds.
When is Veterans Day?
Like Memorial Day, Veterans Day also has an established day of the year.
Each year, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 because, in 1918, that day marked the end of the Great War, according to the United Service Organizations.
It was previously referred to as Armistice Day but was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower who issued the Veterans Day Proclamation after Veterans who fought in World War II and the Korean War urged Congress to recognize them.
It was later the establishment of the Uniform Holiday Bill that moved Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day to Mondays so federal employees could enjoy three-day weekends, the USO notes.
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