Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Memorial Day commemorates all men and women who have died in U.S. military service. It's not to be confused with Veterans Day, which celebrates the service of U.S. military veterans, or with Armed Forces Day, which honors men and women currently in service. Memorial Day began a few years after the Civil War, in 1868.
Here are five interesting facts about Memorial Day:
May 30, 2021
The simplest thing you can do to explain and honor this holiday with your children is to spend time talking to them about what Memorial Day means to you. Take the day to talk and reflect on the subject of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
According to legend, Logan chose May 30 because it was a rare day that didn't fall on the anniversary of a Civil War battle, though some historians believe the date was selected to ensure that flowers across the country would be in full bloom.
A.N. Answer: Both days are observances to honor those who have served in the military. Memorial Day, which is in May, particularly honors those who were killed during their service. Veterans Day honors all those who have served.
Today, several states continue to observe Confederate Memorial Day, in which they honor only Southern soldiers who died during the Civil War. These states are North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia.
In the United States, Memorial Day's purpose is to honor military members who have died, while Veterans Day recognizes the service of all America's veterans. In 2021, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 31. And, Veterans Day will be observed on Nov. 11.
"Thank you for your service." "Happy Memorial Day."
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are both patriotic holidays honoring the military, but there is a significant difference between the two aside from when they land on the calendar. Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the military.
Veterans Day. The Allied powers signed a ceasefire agreement with Germany at Compiégne, France, at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918, bringing the war now known as World War I to a close.
So, can you say "Happy Memorial Day?" Yes, of course, you can... especially if it comes from a place of grateful joy for the life we live today that was provided by the sacrifices of generations before. On Memorial Day, take time to reflect on the men and women who gave it all for us.
Wishing someone a "Happy Memorial Day" might feel appropriate, but it's actually meant to be a somber day. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, began after the Civil War, which split the country in two as everyone was forced to take a side.
The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
Veterans Day | |
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Related to | Remembrance Day |
While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALLthose who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.