The short answer: Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving, while Veterans Day thanks everyone who served, mostly those still living. Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May, and Veterans Day is November 11. Not sure when the next one is? See when Memorial Day falls. lib
| Memorial Day | Veterans Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Last Monday of May | November 11 |
| Honors | Those who died in service | All who served, in war or peace |
| Mood | Somber, reflective | Grateful, celebratory |
| Typical traditions | Grave decorations, ceremonies, a moment of silence | Parades, thank-yous to living veterans |
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is for remembering military personnel who died in the service of their country, especially in battle or from wounds received in battle. It began after the Civil War. In 1868, Major General John Logan ordered a day for decorating the graves of fallen soldiers. It was first called Decoration Day. Read the full story in our Memorial Day history. libnbcmiami
In 1971 it became a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend. That’s why mail and many services pause, so check whether the post office is open on Memorial Day and learn more about Memorial Day as a federal holiday. mentalfloss
What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day thanks and honors all who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime, and it is largely meant to thank living veterans. It started as Armistice Day, marking the end of fighting in World War I. Congress made it a national holiday in 1938, and a 1954 law renamed it Veterans Day to honor those who served in all wars. The U.S. Government Publishing Office has a short official history, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has information and services for veterans. libnbcmiami
Is Memorial Day for the living or the dead?
For the dead. If you want to thank a living veteran, Veterans Day is the day for it. On Memorial Day, many people prefer a wish like “have a meaningful Memorial Day” over “Happy Memorial Day”. Need the right words? Browse our Memorial Day quotes and messages.
Americans are also encouraged to pause for a minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time. You can honor the day at Memorial Day events near you, at ceremonies like those at Arlington National Cemetery, or by watching the National Memorial Day Concert. lib
What about Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is a third observance. It falls on the third Saturday in May and honors people currently serving in the military.
Is it Veterans Day or Veterans’ Day?
It’s Veterans Day, with no apostrophe. The VA explains that the day doesn’t “belong” to veterans. It is a day for honoring all veterans. ajc
An easy way to remember
- Memorial Day is about memory: remembering those we lost.
- Veterans Day is about veterans: thanking those still with us.
What is the main difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day remembers those who died in service, while Veterans Day thanks all who served, largely the living. lib
Which comes first, Memorial Day or Veterans Day?
Memorial Day comes first, on the last Monday of May. Veterans Day follows about six months later, on November 11. mentalfloss
Are Memorial Day and Veterans Day both federal holidays?
Yes. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971. Veterans Day has been a legal public holiday since the 1954 law that renamed Armistice Day. See our post on whether Memorial Day is a federal holiday. mentalfloss
Conclusion
The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is simple. Memorial Day is for remembering the service members who died, while Veterans Day is for thanking everyone who served, especially those still with us. Memorial Day is a quiet day of reflection in late May, and Veterans Day is a day of gratitude on November 11.
Knowing which day is which helps you honor each one in the right way. Remember the fallen on Memorial Day, and thank the living on Veterans Day.