Memorial Day vs Veterans Day: What Sets the Two Holidays Apart
Understanding Memorial Day vs Veterans Day helps you honor the right people on the right date. One holiday mourns those who died in service, while the other thanks everyone who served.
The Core Difference in One Sentence
Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving in the military.
Veterans Day honors all who served, with special emphasis on thanking living veterans.
Memorial Day vs Veterans Day at a Glance
Use this side-by-side summary when you need a fast, accurate reference.
Memorial Day
Date
the last Monday in May
Who it honors
military members who died in service to the nation
Tone
solemn remembrance and mourning
Flag etiquette
half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff
Common symbol
the red remembrance poppy
National observance
the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time
Veterans Day
Date
November 11, every year, regardless of the day of the week
Who it honors
everyone who served in the armed forces, living or deceased
Tone
gratitude and recognition of service
Flag etiquette
full staff all day
Common symbol
the American flag and veteran service insignia
National observance
a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m.
The Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day grew out of the grief that followed the Civil War.
After the war, communities across the country decorated soldiers’ graves with flowers, a practice that became known as Decoration Day.
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan issued General Order No. 11, calling for a national day of remembrance on May 30.
After World War I, the observance expanded to honor Americans who died in all wars.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the holiday to the last Monday in May, beginning in 1971.
In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance, asking you to pause at 3 p.m. local time.
The Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day began as a celebration of peace after World War I.
The armistice that ended fighting in World War I took effect at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day on November 11, 1919.
Armistice Day became a legal federal holiday in 1938.
In 1954, Congress renamed it Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the change into law.
The holiday briefly moved to a Monday in October, then returned to November 11 in 1978 because of the date’s historical significance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small errors can feel disrespectful to the families and veterans these holidays serve.
Thanking living veterans on Memorial Day
many veterans and Gold Star families prefer that the day remain focused on the fallen.
Adding an apostrophe
the official spelling is Veterans Day, not Veteran’s Day.
Using a cheerful greeting
“Happy Memorial Day” can sound out of place, so consider “a meaningful Memorial Day” instead.
Confusing either holiday with Armed Forces Day
that observance falls on the third Saturday in May and honors those currently serving.
How to Observe Each Holiday Respectfully
Your observance does not need to be elaborate to be sincere. These steps work for individuals, families, and community groups.
On Memorial Day
- Pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time for the National Moment of Remembrance.
- Visit a national or local cemetery, and follow its rules for placing flags or flowers.
- Fly your flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to full staff.
- Attend a local parade or memorial ceremony.
On Veterans Day
- Attend a parade or ceremony in your community.
- Thank the veterans you know directly, by name, for their service.
- Volunteer with or donate to a veteran service organization.
- Record a family member’s service story for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers clear up the points that cause the most confusion.
Q
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes. When November 11 falls on a Saturday, federal employees observe it on Friday, and when it falls on a Sunday, the observance moves to Monday.
Q
Do Schools Close on Veterans Day?
It depends on your state and school district. Many schools remain open and hold assemblies that honor local veterans.
Q
Which Holiday Came First?
Memorial Day traditions date to the 1860s. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919.
Q
Is Memorial Day the Start of Summer?
Many people treat it as the unofficial start of summer. Its purpose, however, remains the remembrance of those who died in service.
Honor Every Service Member Correctly
Keep the Memorial Day vs Veterans Day distinction in mind, and your observance on each date will show the respect it deserves. Prepare for your next ceremony with words chosen for the occasion.