Veterans Day and Memorial Day are both U.S. federal holidays that honor military service, but they have distinct purposes and meanings:
-
Veterans Day:
- Date: Celebrated on November 11 each year.
- Purpose: Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the armed forces, whether in peacetime or wartime. It acknowledges the service and sacrifices of living veterans.
- Historical Context: Originally known as Armistice Day, it commemorated the end of World War I, which occurred on November 11, 1918. The holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all military veterans.
-
Memorial Day:
- Date: Observed on the last Monday in May.
- Purpose: Memorial Day honors and remembers military personnel who have died in the service of their country. It is a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States.
- Historical Context: Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. It formally became a federal holiday in 1971.
In summary, Veterans Day celebrates all who have served in the military, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died in service.