The Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day
By: Helen Polaski
The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day may be blurry to some people, but to the people who have lost loved ones to war or who are currently in the United States Armed Services, the difference is crystal clear. Because Americans observe both holidays, many believe they serve the same purpose. In reality, there is a tremendous difference, with one holiday recognizing those who fought for America and the other remembering those who lost their lives.
Origins of Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Though both days of observance have been set aside to honor members of the United States Armed Forces, each of the two days was singled out for completely different reasons. One of them falls on an important date in world history, while the other date was set by an act of Congress.
Though both days of observance have been set aside to honor members of the United States Armed Forces, each of the two days was singled out for completely different reasons. One of them falls on an important date in world history, while the other date was set by an act of Congress.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday in the month of May. It is on this day that we remember those who have given their lives in defense of the United States. This includes all those who have gone before us, and who gave up their lives in battle or in service to our country for our freedom. These men and women have earned a day of distinction.
Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, this day was set aside for war widows to visit their husbands' graves. Many women brought flowers and wreaths to thank their lost husbands for helping to keep America as one nation. In 1882, the day began to be observed nationally as a day of remembrance for all fallen soldiers. After World War I, Memorial Day was observed on May 30. The Uniform Holidays Act, which went into effect in 1971, moved Memorial Day to the last Monday of May as a way to encourage business owners to give employees the day off.
Veterans Day is a day of remembrance following the ceasefire of World War I. While the war did not officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice was agreed upon between Germany and the Allied Nations. Because the cessation of fire went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 Armistice Day.
Originally intended as a day to honor World War I veterans, Armistice Day was expanded in many parts of America to include World War II veterans during the 1950s. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself a World War II veteran, made the name change official in 1954.
As part of the Uniform Holiday Act, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October in 1971 and designated an official federal holiday. By 1978, the date moved back to November 11. Schools and government facilities typically close on Veterans Day, but most businesses remain open. Some European countries still observe Armistice Day as a day to remember World War I.
It is understandable how the two days of observance can become misinterpreted as both observances are heralded by parades, picnics and community gatherings. The best way to distinguish the two days of observance in your mind is to remember that Memorial Day, or the day to honor those who have fallen or gone before us, is observed in the spring, as it comes before Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11 to honor those who are still with us.
I am now clear about the two memorial days. Rajan
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