The Difference Between Memorial Day And Veterans Day Explained
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? People often confuse the two remembrances, both reserved to honor military personnel but with some nuances between the two.
The Department of Veterans Affairs clarifies the confusion on its website
“Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day,” military officials wrote on the agency’s home page. “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
Veterans Day is all-inclusive — honoring all veterans, either dead or living — but intended as a day to literally thank military personnel for their service to country.
“While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime,” officials write. “In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”
The history of both days of observance are also markedly different. While Memorial Day dates its origins to the period following the Civil War, Veterans Day has its roots in the early part of the 20th century.
“Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971,” the History Channel explains in detailing the origins of Memorial Day. “Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.”
Conversely, Veterans Day traces its history in the days following the end of World War I, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France,” agency officials explain. “However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
The numerical significance of that cessation gives rise to the date of Nov. 11, 1918, being generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Sadly, there have been wars since — including the ongoing fight against terrorism that has the distinction of being the longest-running war in U.S. history.
And what is the significance of the red poppies that some people wear each Memorial Day?
Another difference between both days is the wearing of poppies on Memorial Day. Why are red poppies worn?
“The wearing of poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day, not Veterans Day,” officials of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs say. “The practice of wearing of poppies takes its origin from the poem in In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 by John McCrae.”
Those wishing to don red poppies for use on Memorial Day can contact various veterans service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) or the American Legion. These and other veterans organizations distribute poppies annually on Memorial Day.
“You can find veterans groups in the Veterans Service Organization link on VA’s Veterans Day web page,” the agency writes. “Veterans groups in your area can be found in your local phone book. Look in the yellow pages under “Veterans and Military Organizations” or a similar heading.”
Come November, Veterans Day offers another chance to honor those who serve. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers free posters for those wishing to honor military personnel on that day. Poster requests are fulfilled until the inventory is exhausted. People also can download or print their own poster from the Veterans Day Poster Gallery.
