Apparently, I am not the only one that has noticed that people get confused as to what we honor on Memorial Day and what we honor on Veteran’s Day. Most people just wave the flag and say thank you to our Armed Forces and have some burgers or ribs.
Now thanks to the Washington Post, you can actually know what it is all about.
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. 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. 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.
Memorial Day dates back to 1868 and Veteran’s Day dates back to the end of World War 1.