Memorial Day vs Veterans Day: What's the Difference?

Every year, Americans observe two major national holidays dedicated to honoring the country's military members: Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both days are marked by parades, ceremonies, and expressions of gratitude. However, they are often confused with one another, leading to well-intentioned but misplaced greetings. While both holidays honor the armed forces, they serve distinct purposes and commemorate different groups of individuals.

Understanding the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is crucial for paying proper respect to those who have served. Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. In contrast, Veterans Day is a celebration of all who have served in the armed forces, whether in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased.

This guide will explore the history, traditions, and significance of each holiday and identify key differences in the two days; Memorial Day vs Veterans Day. By understanding their unique origins and purposes, you can ensure your acknowledgments are appropriate and meaningful, properly honoring the sacrifices and service of America's military personnel.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. It is a day of mourning, dedicated to honoring the military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and died in service to the United States. It's a time for the nation to pause and remember those who gave their lives to protect its freedoms.

When thinking Memorial Day vs Veterans Day just remember that Memorial Day is for remembering, not celebrating.

The Origins of Memorial Day

The roots of Memorial Day are deeply embedded in the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that resulted in an unprecedented number of American casualties. The practice of decorating soldiers' graves began spontaneously in communities across the country, both North and South, as citizens sought to honor their fallen.

While many towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, the federal government officially recognized Waterloo, New York, as its origin in 1966. On May 5, 1866, the village of Waterloo held a community-wide event where businesses closed, and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

The first large-scale, official observance was proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by Gen. John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union Army veterans. He designated May 30 as "Decoration Day," a time for "strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion." On the first Decoration Day, Gen. James Garfield delivered a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, where 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.

After World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, not just the Civil War. Over time, "Decoration Day" gradually became known as Memorial Day. It wasn't until 1971, with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, that Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday and moved to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend.

Another key difference in the Memorial Day vs Veterans Day comparison is that Memorial Day is much older.

How Memorial Day is Observed

Memorial Day is observed with a mixture of solemn remembrance and community gatherings. The day is meant to be a moment of reflection on the cost of freedom. When comparing Memorial Day vs Veterans Day just remember that Memorial Day is for remembering whereas Veterans Day is about recognizing.

Common Traditions

Visiting Cemeteries and Memorials: Many Americans visit cemeteries and memorials to place American flags or flowers on the graves of military personnel. Arlington National Cemetery is a primary site for these observances, where the president or vice president typically lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

National Moment of Remembrance: In December 2000, Congress passed a resolution establishing a "National Moment of Remembrance." It asks all Americans to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to honor and remember the fallen.

Lowering the Flag: The American flag is traditionally flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset. This symbolizes the nation mourning its fallen in the morning and then rising in their honor for the rest of the day, recommitting to the fight for liberty.

Parades and Ceremonies: Towns and cities across the country host Memorial Day parades, often featuring active-duty military members, veterans' groups, and local school bands. These events are followed by memorial services in parks or at monuments.

While Memorial Day weekend has also become the unofficial start of summer, marked by barbecues and sales, the core purpose of the day remains one of sober remembrance. It is important to note that both days in the Memorial Day vs Veterans Day comparison have sadly become key retail dates that marketers take advantage of. 

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday that honors all individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which is reserved for those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates everyone who has worn the uniform—living or deceased, in wartime or peacetime. It is a day to thank living veterans for their dedication and sacrifice.

When comparing Memorial Day vs Veterans Day just remember that Veterans Day is to recognize all those who have served and while the day includes recognizing those who have fallen, it also recognizes anyone who has served.

The History of Veterans Day

The origins of Veterans Day lie in the end of World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany. Although the official peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, was signed months later, November 11 became widely known as the end of "the war to end all wars."

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. His proclamation expressed gratitude for the victory and the heroism of those who served. The original intent was for the day to be observed with parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the president issue annual proclamations for the observance of November 11. In 1938, a congressional act made Armistice Day a legal holiday, dedicating it to the cause of world peace and honoring the veterans of World War I.

However, after World War II required the largest mobilization of service members in the nation's history, and after American forces fought in the Korean War, veterans' service organizations urged Congress to amend the 1938 act. They wanted Armistice Day to honor American veterans of all wars. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From that point on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all eras.

For a brief period, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. However, the historical significance of the November 11 date was so strong that many states continued to observe the holiday on its original date. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law returning the observance of Veterans Day to November 11, effective in 1978.

Today, the comparison of Memorial Day vs Veterans Day isn't as confusing for most people, but some still struggle to figure out how to acknowledge each day.

How Veterans Day is Observed

Veterans Day is a celebration of service. It is a day to express gratitude and appreciation for the contributions veterans have made to the country.

Common Traditions

Ceremonies of Honor: The national focal point for Veterans Day is a memorial ceremony held at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony begins with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater, honoring and thanking all who have served.

Parades and Public Events: Across the nation, towns and cities host parades to celebrate their local veterans. These events are generally upbeat and celebratory in nature, differing from the more somber tone of Memorial Day parades.

Thanking Veterans: It is common and appropriate to thank living veterans for their service on Veterans Day. Phrases like "Thank you for your service" are a direct and meaningful way to show appreciation.

Educational Initiatives: Many schools and communities use Veterans Day as an opportunity to educate younger generations about the importance of military service and the sacrifices made by veterans.

Unlike Memorial Day, the American flag is flown at full staff all day. If the holiday falls on a non-workday, many government offices and schools close on the adjacent Friday or Monday to observe it.

Key Differences: Memorial Day vs Veterans Day at a Glance

Feature	Memorial Day	Veterans Day
Purpose	To honor military personnel who died in service.	To honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Who is Honored	Fallen service members.	All veterans, living and deceased.
Date	Last Monday in May.	November 11.
Tone	Somber and commemorative.	Celebratory and appreciative.
Flag Etiquette	Flown at half-staff until noon, then full-staff.	Flown at full-staff all day.
Common Greeting	Avoid "Happy Memorial Day." A reflective acknowledgment is more appropriate.	"Happy Veterans Day" and "Thank you for your service" are appropriate.

Why It Matters to Know the Difference

Confusing Memorial Day and Veterans Day can be hurtful to veterans and the families of fallen service members. Thanking a veteran for their service on Memorial Day can feel dismissive of the holiday's true purpose, which is to mourn their lost comrades. For Gold Star Families—those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—Memorial Day is an intensely personal and often painful day. Treating it as a celebration can feel deeply disrespectful.

Conversely, Veterans Day is the appropriate time to celebrate and express gratitude to those who served and returned. It’s a day for them. By understanding and observing the distinction, we show respect for the unique sacrifices associated with each day. Honoring the fallen and thanking the living are both vital, but they deserve their own dedicated moments of recognition.

A Day to Honor, A Day to Thank

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are pillars of America's civic calendar, each holding a unique and sacred place in the nation's heart. Memorial Day calls for solemn reflection on the price of liberty, asking us to remember the men and women who never came home. Veterans Day, in contrast, offers a moment of gratitude and celebration for the millions who have served their country and lived to share their stories.

By understanding the distinct histories and purposes of these two important holidays, we can honor our service members in the most respectful and meaningful way. On the last Monday in May, let us remember the fallen. On November 11, let us thank all who have served.

Hopefully this article addressed your Memorial Day vs Veterans Day questions.