The Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day

(Adapted from VA.gov and the Memorial Day Foundation)  

Both Veterans Day and Memorial Day were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. But the two national holidays can be confused or misunderstood, and it is important for civilians and the younger generations to know the differences between the two holidays. Please feel free to share this information!  

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. It honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers. In the 1860s, it was formalized as “Decoration Day.” Over the next few decades, the day transitioned from “Decoration Day” to its current name, Memorial Day. This is the day of recognition when American flags are planted on gravesites to recognize and honor our fallen. Flag-In is the Saturday prior to Memorial Day.    

Veterans Day falls on November 11. It is designated as a day to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. It was first observed as Armistice Day in honor of the first anniversary of the end of World War I, which officially ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, as it is currently known today.  

For more history on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, go HERE.