Memorial Day and Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served
For many, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are just extra days off from work or school. They mark the beginning of summer and the start of the holiday season, respectively. But for veterans, members of the U.S. armed services, and their families, these days hold a much deeper meaning. They are days to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our country. While both days are significant, they have distinct differences that are important to understand.
Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday that honors those who died in U.S. military service. It has its origins from the time of the Civil War, when people began laying flowers on the graves of soldiers in the spring. At the time, it was known as Decoration Day. However, after World War I, the day was expanded to include all those who died during U.S. military service. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May.
On Memorial Day, many people across the country take advantage of the long weekend to go to the beach, have a barbecue, or spend time with family and friends. However, it is also a day of remembrance and reflection. Flags are flown at half-staff to honor the fallen, and you may see people wearing a red poppy flower on their chest. This tradition dates back to World War I when Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada’s First Brigade Artillery, wrote a poem about the red poppies that grew on the graves of fallen soldiers. The red poppy has since become a symbol to honor veterans who have died, and artificial red poppies are sold to raise money for veterans’ assistance.
In contrast, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that celebrates all those who have served in the U.S. military. It is observed on November 11th every year, regardless of the day of the week. However, many local communities hold their celebrations over the weekend if the holiday falls on a weekday. Veterans Day has been celebrated since the end of World War I, which ended on November 11th, 1918. Initially known as Armistice Day, it only honored those who served in what was then known as the Great War. However, in 1954, Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a World War II veteran himself, changed the holiday to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of the U.S. military.
On Veterans Day, the U.S. military holds a national ceremony at the memorial amphitheater near the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The president typically attends and participates in the laying of a presidential wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns. Across the country, state and local governments also hold their own celebrations with parades and ceremonies to honor veterans.
Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are important days to remember and honor those who have served our country. They remind us of the sacrifices made by brave men and women to protect our freedom and way of life. So, as we enjoy the long weekend and the start of summer, let us also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of these holidays and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our nation.
