Do you know the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day?
We always stop to honor all of our service men and women on both days, but why are there two different days, and what is the difference between them?
According to the US Department of Veteran's Affairs, a lot of us confuse the two. They say:
Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.
A complete history of Veterans Day, and why it is observed on November 11, can be found on the Veterans Day History Web page.
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You know, the men and women of the military don't get enough praise and recognition... so I guess if on both occasions people carry all of them in their hearts, it's a good thing. But I do think it's important to know the difference.