Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two important American holidays that honor those who have served in the military, but they have distinct purposes and histories. In 2025, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 26, while Veterans Day will fall on Tuesday, November 11.
Despite their patriotic similarities, many Americans confuse these two holidays. This confusion often stems from their shared focus on military service and similar observance traditions. Both holidays feature American flags, public ceremonies, and expressions of gratitude for military service. Additionally, since both are federal holidays that typically include retail sales and time off work, their unique purposes can sometimes be overshadowed by their role as cultural markers of the beginning and end of summer.
However, these holidays were established to honor different groups of military personnel. Memorial Day specifically commemorates those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In contrast, Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military, whether in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased.
Understanding the distinction between these holidays allows us to properly honor both the ultimate sacrifice of those who died in service and the dedicated commitment of all veterans who have served our country.
Table of Contents
Memorial Day and Veterans Day: A Quick Comparison
A Brief History of Memorial Day
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced to the aftermath of the American Civil War. In the late 1860s, communities across America began holding springtime tributes to the countless soldiers who died in the war, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
One of the earliest documented Memorial Day commemorations was organized by recently freed slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. On May 1, 1865, they held a ceremony to honor hundreds of dead Union soldiers who had been buried in a mass grave at a Confederate prison camp.
In 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of a Northern Civil War veterans’ organization, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. May 30, 1868, was designated for the purpose of decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the Civil War. The holiday was called Decoration Day – a precursor to Memorial Day.
But after World War I, the meaning of the occasion began to evolve, acknowledging the American military personnel who died in all wars, not just the Civil War. And as the meaning evolved, so did the name. By the late 19th century, many Americans were using the term Memorial Day.
But it wasn’t until1971 that Memorial Day became an official federal holiday, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act established it as the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. This same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
A Brief History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day has its roots in the aftermath of World War I. The Great War officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For this reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded 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. The original concept was to hold parades and public meetings to observe the occasion, including a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 AM, but this was only the beginning of what would eventually become Veterans Day as we know it now.
Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a resolution in 1926, with November 11 becoming a legal holiday nationwide beginning in 1938. Initially, it was a day set aside to honor World War I veterans only. However, after World War II and the Korean War, at the urging of veterans’ service organizations, Congress amended the 1938 act by striking the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Armistice Day was now Veterans Day.
But did you know Veterans Day spent an entire decade being recognized during the month of October? The Uniform Holiday Bill of 1968 was established to move federal holidays to Mondays, creating 3-day weekends for workers. As a result, in 1968, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October. This change was met with widespread disapproval from many states, veterans’ groups, and citizens. Because of this public dissatisfaction, President Gerald Ford signed a law returning the observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.
Common Misconceptions About Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Ways to Observe Memorial Day and Veterans Day
There are certainly many ways to honor our veterans and the brave men and women who are currently serving in our U.S. Armed Forces. Here are just a few ideas appropriate for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Memorial Day Observances:
1. Visit Cemeteries or Memorials – Place flowers or flags at grave sites of fallen service members. Many families visit military cemeteries to pay respects.
2. Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance – Pause at 3:00 PM local time for a minute of silence to remember those who died serving our country.
3. Attend a Memorial Day Parade – Many communities hold parades featuring military units, veterans’ organizations, and marching bands.
4. Fly the Flag at Half-Staff – The U.S. flag is traditionally flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
5. Wear or Display Red Poppies – Inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” red poppies have become a symbol of remembrance for those who died in conflict.
Veterans Day Observances:
1. Attend Veterans Day Ceremonies – Many communities, schools and organizations hold special events specifically honoring veterans.
2. Thank Veterans Personally – Take time to express gratitude to veterans you know or meet for their service.
3. Fly the American Flag – Unlike Memorial Day, the flag is flown at full staff on Veterans Day as a symbol of honor.
4. Visit VA Hospitals – Volunteering or visiting veterans in VA facilities provides companionship and shows appreciation.
5. Participate in or Watch a Veterans Day Parade – These typically feature current service members alongside veterans from various conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Memorial Day is considered a solemn holiday, so social etiquette dictates this is not an appropriate sentiment.
Statements of honor, reflection and humility are appropriate responses to Memorial Day, so phrases like “honoring our nation’s heroes” and “remembering those who served” are good alternatives.
Red is a good color for the occasion since red poppies represent remembrance and are recognized as a symbol of Memorial Day.
Because November 11, 1918, is the day that the Armistice of Compiègne was signed, which effectively ended the fighting in World War I.
We hope today’s post was inspiring, informative and helped you fully understand the fundamental differences between these two truly American holidays. Remember, The Bradford Exchange is an excellent place to shop for tributes to our U.S. military branches and service members. We offer a wide selection of military gifts, including handcrafted keepsakes, military jewelry, home decor and other unique finds. You can also stay finely dressed for these important occasions with our patriotic jewelry and patriotic apparel.
Thank you so much for reading! And while we’re on the topic of patriotic holidays, you might also want to check out some of these recent star-spangled posts:
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