What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

While Independence Day is perhaps the most widely recognized U.S. holiday commemorating freedom and independence, there are important holidays that honor the sacrifices made by those who have defended the nation’s freedom. Veterans Day and Memorial Day provide opportunities to reflect on and express gratitude for the dedication of Service Members of the Armed Forces.

Veterans Day: A Day of Recognition for All Who Served

Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, recognizing their diverse experiences and contributions across every branch and era of service. Beyond recognition for service, this day serves as a reminder to act, offering support to Veterans as they navigate life after service and the challenges that come with it.

The History of Veterans Day

The roots of Veterans Day originate in the conclusion of World War I. The fighting officially ceased with the signing of an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany on November 11, 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This pivotal moment marked the end of what was then called The Great War. In recognition, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first Armistice Day, intended to be observed with parades, public gatherings, and a brief suspension of business at 11:00 a.m.

For many years, Armistice Day served as a remembrance of those who had fought in World War I. However, as the decades passed and the nation found itself in new global conflicts—most notably World War II and the Korean War—the scope of remembrance broadened. In 1954, following a campaign by Veterans' service organizations, Armistice Day became a national holiday, known as Veterans Day. President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation later that year, calling upon all citizens to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and to “remember the sacrifices of all those who fought”.

Memorial Day: A Day of Rememberance

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring military personnel who died while serving. It’s a day of mourning and reflection to acknowledge the ultimate price paid to defend the nation.

The History of Memorial Day

The origins of Memorial Day are rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more lives than any other in U.S. history. Over 620,000 military personnel died in the Civil War. Many towns and cities began holding local remembrances for fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers, a practice that gave rise to the informal name, Decoration Day.

One of the earliest observances of Decoration Day took place in Charleston, South Carolina, in May 1865, when formerly enslaved people gathered to honor fallen Union soldiers. However, the official push for a national day of recognition came from General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union Veterans. On May 5, 1868, Logan issued General Order No. 11, designating May 30 as an annual day for decorating the graves of those who had died in defense of their country. He chose May 30 because it was a day that did not fall on the anniversary of any particular Civil War battle, allowing it to be a more generalized day of remembrance.

For many years, May 30 remained the traditional date. However, in 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day from its traditional date to the last Monday in May. While the date change has sparked debate about maintaining the true meaning of the holiday, the core purpose of Memorial Day remains the same: a national day of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate price in serving the nation.

Recognizing Veterans Day: Ways to Honor Current Veterans

A few ways to honor current Veterans include:

• Attend a Veterans Day Parade: Many locations will host Veterans Day parades. These parades honor both current Veterans and those who have passed, often with military demonstrations.
• Volunteer with a Veteran Organization: Veterans often rely on support from various organizations when transitioning from the military to civilian life. Consider volunteering with a Veteran organization.
• Make a Donation to an Organization: Consider making an in-kind or monetary donation to organizations supporting Veterans after they have returned from service.

Recognizing Veterans Day: Ways to Honor Veterans Who have Passed

• Visit a National Cemetary: Almost every state has a national cemetary where people can go to honor Veterans who have passed. Those who know a Veteran who has passed may bring flowers or small flags to a grave, while others may simply take time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service.
• Make a Donation to an Organization: Individuals who know of a fallen Veteran can make a donation in that Veterans name. Donations could either be made to an organization the Veteran supported, or to an organization supporting Veterans.
• Visit a War Museum or Historic Site: While some larger war museums and historic sites can be found in Washington, D.C., many states have smaller museums and historic sites where people can visit to learn more about the military, and honor Veterans.

Resources for Veterans

Many veterans face ongoing challenges that require support beyond these national holidays. To learn more about resources available to Veterans, visit our Veteran Support page.