What is the difference between the two days?
Memorial Day, celebrated the last Monday in May each year, honors the sacrifice and loss of those who served and died in the military.
Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military.
In 1868, Americans began to recognize Memorial Day, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971. Originally, this day was known as “Decoration Day.” Churches and entire ommunities would decorate the graves of those who died during service.
Many service members, veterans, and others in the military community treat Memorial Day as a time to mourn and honor those they’ve lost.
WHAT TO SAY ON MEMORIAL DAY
This is not the day to thank someone for their service. That's Veterans Day. Since Memorial Day is to honor the fallen, it's not appropriate to say, "Happy Memorial Day." I've been guilty of that even though I know better. The appropriate thing to say is, "Have a meaningful Memorial Day." Or, perhaps, "Have a reflective Memorial Day."
When I was a kid, people on the streets would sell red poppies made of crepe paper. They cost pennies.
All the adults would buy them and pin them on shirts, dresses, and suits and wear them proudly. I guess that's not done any longer.
The red poppy, symbolizing remembrance and respect for those who died in service to their country, was inspired by the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrae, which honored those who died in WWI.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
Amidst the family gatherings and barbeques, take a moment to honor those who gave everything in service to our country.
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