Memorial Day is a U.S. Holiday that honors all who have died while serving in the United States military. It serves as a day of remembrance and reflection of the enormous sacrifices made by these brave men and women.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and began in the years following the civil war. From 1868 to 1970 it was observed each year on May 30th. In 1971 Memorial Day became an official federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance
The National Moment of Remembrance was first proclaimed by Congress in 2000 as a way to unify the nation in observance of fallen veterans. It is a moment of silence that takes place for one minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Memorial Day can be observed in many ways. By visiting cemeteries, memorials and participating in Memorial Day parades and other related events.
Veterans Day is an American holiday that celebrates the service all US military veterans and is observed every year on November 11th. It was originally known as Armistice Day and had represented the formal end of WWI at the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th Month in 1918 marking the armistice with Germany.
Armistice Day was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D Eisenhower. During a brief period from 1971-1974, Veteran’s Day was changed to be observed on the fourth Monday in October because of a bill passed by the US Congress. However, in 1975 President Gerald R Ford returned Veteran’s Day to November 11th due to the date’s important historical significance.
The purpose of Veterans Day is different from Memorial Day for the reason that Veterans Day celebrates all US veterans, past and present whereas Memorial Day honors those who died while serving their country.