What is the difference between veterans day and memorial day?

Amelia Smith
March 27, 2023
Education

I am going to explain the blog post “What is the difference between veterans day and memorial day?“

I have observed that people often confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day, even though they are two distinct holidays with different purposes. It is essential to understand the differences between the two to honor our veterans and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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10 Differences between veterans day and memorial day

So, what is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? The answer lies in their origins and the ways we commemorate them. Veterans Day, observed on November 11th, honors all American veterans, living or dead, who served our country during war or peacetime. On the other hand, Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

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Here is a list of 10 differences between veterans day and memorial day:

Origins
Date of Observance
Focus of Observance
Honored Groups
National Moment of Remembrance
Poppy Tradition
Flag Protocol
Observance at Arlington National Cemetery
Observance in Schools
Government Offices and Services

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Origins: The origins of Veterans Day and Memorial Day are different. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day and was established to celebrate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Memorial Day, on the other hand, was established in 1868 to honor those who died in service during the Civil War.
Date of Observance: Veterans Day is observed on November 11th every year, while Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May.
Focus of Observance: The focus of Veterans Day is on all American veterans, both living and deceased, who served in any branch of the U.S. military. Memorial Day, on the other hand, is solely focused on those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Honored Groups: Veterans Day honors all American veterans, regardless of whether they served in peacetime or wartime. Memorial Day, on the other hand, specifically honors those who have died while serving in the U.S. military.
National Moment of Remembrance: The National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day. It is a moment of silence to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. There is no such observance on Veterans Day.
Poppy Tradition: The poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day. The tradition started after World War I when the red poppy became associated with the war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. There is no such tradition for Veterans Day.
Flag Protocol: On Memorial Day, the American flag is raised to the top of the flagpole, then lowered to half-staff until noon, after which it is raised to full staff for the rest of the day. On Veterans Day, the flag is raised to full staff.
Observance at Arlington National Cemetery: On Memorial Day, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. On Veterans Day, there is also a wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery, but it takes place at the Memorial Amphitheater.
Observance in Schools: Many schools observe both Veterans Day and Memorial Day, but in different ways. On Veterans Day, schools often invite veterans to come and speak to students. On Memorial Day, schools may hold a moment of silence or have students participate in a patriotic ceremony.
Government Offices and Services: Both Veterans Day and Memorial Day are federal holidays, but they are not observed in the same way. On Veterans Day, most government offices and services remain open. On Memorial Day, many government offices and services are closed to observe the holiday.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to remember and honor our veterans and fallen heroes for their selfless service and sacrifice. While Veterans Day and Memorial Day are often lumped together, they are distinct holidays with different origins and purposes. Understanding the differences can help us properly honor and commemorate those who have served and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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