Differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day[edit]
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are both United States federal holidays that honor the country's military, but they serve different purposes.[1][2] Memorial Day is a day for mourning military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.[3] Veterans Day is a day to honor all who have served in the military, whether living or deceased.[1][4]
The origins of Memorial Day date back to the post-Civil War era.[5] Initially called Decoration Day, it was a time for people to decorate the graves of soldiers who had died in the war. The first national observance was proclaimed on May 30, 1868, by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans.[3] After World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. Congress made Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971, designating the last Monday in May as its official observance.
Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1938, November 11th became a legal holiday dedicated to world peace and honoring World War I veterans. After World War II and the Korean War, veteran service organizations urged Congress to change the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation in 1954.
Common observances for Memorial Day include visiting cemeteries and memorials to honor the fallen.[3] Volunteers often place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.[3] A national moment of remembrance is encouraged at 3 p.m. local time.[1] Veterans Day is marked by parades and ceremonies, and a national ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Memorial Day | Veterans Day |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Honors military personnel who died in service. | Honors all who have served in the U.S. military. |
| Date | Last Monday in May.[3] | November 11. |
| Original Name | Decoration Day. | Armistice Day. |
| Historical Origin | Commemorated the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. | Marked the end of World War I. |
| Traditions | Visiting cemeteries, decorating graves, moments of silence.[3][1] | Parades, wreath-laying ceremonies. |
