Memorial Day and Veterans Day, both are national holidays dedicated to the U.S. Military. Some of us might think there are two holidays for the same cause. Well, there are significant differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We are here to clear up the confusion and answer the questions. Along the way, we will also tell you how to honor each day.
What is Memorial Day and Why do We Observe This Day?
Memorial Day is dedicated to the martyred military officers who have sacrificed their lives on duty to serve the U.S military. It is observed every year on the last Monday of the month of May. We observe this day to honor the late military officers and commemorate them with our friends and family.
What is Veterans Day and Why do We Celebrate This Day?
Veterans Day is to recognize all the officers who have served in the U.S, Armed forces. It is celebrated every year on November 11. We observe this day to recognize and pay our gratitude to the retired armed forces officers
Memorial Day vs Veterans Day
On a memorial day, we remember those who have laid their lives on service. Veterans Day celebrates and recognizes the retired armed forces officers for their service. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of the month of May, irrespective of the date.
Veterans Day is celebrated on 11th November, irrespective of which day it falls on. Memorial Day is a day to reflect, honor and remembrance. Veterans Day is to celebrate the living for their service. Memorial Day is a rather debated national day due to its nature of observation by some people. Veterans Day is free of controversy.
The Difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in Terms of Honor
The first thing to remember for Memorial Day is to not wish anyone ‘Happy Memorial Day. Instead, acknowledge and honor the feelings of the people who have lost their dear ones for the country. Attend memorial services; relay the significance of the day to the future generation.
Veterans Day is rather a day of celebration. Celebrate and express heartfelt gratitude to the veterans’ for their service. Attend parades, offer special discounts for veterans at businesses, call or invite a veteran or veteran friends to celebrate the day together.
Moment of Silences
- Memorial Day: The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence for a minute at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. The 3 pm time was chosen, because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. It is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages.
- Veterans Day: The Veterans Day Moment of Silence calls on all Americans to observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day, beginning at 3:11 pm Atlantic standard time, in honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the nation. The 3:11 pm time was chose because in 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I.
We hope that you have clearly understood what the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is. We are going to conclude this article by offering our respect and gratitude to all the officers who have served our country’s peace.
