With Veterans Day approaching on Monday, many Americans take a moment to reflect on the deep history behind both Veterans Day and Memorial Day. While both days honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces, they each hold distinct meanings and traditions.
Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday in May, is a solemn day of remembrance for those who have died in service to the United States. Established to honor those who gave their lives, particularly in battle or as a result of combat-related injuries, Memorial Day has roots that stretch back to the Civil War. Communities across the country observe it with ceremonies and visits to cemeteries, paying respects to fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In contrast, Veterans Day, held on November 11 each year, is dedicated to honoring all who have served in the military, whether in times of war or peace. Originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I, the day has since evolved to recognize veterans from all eras. Veterans Day honors the living and deceased, but its primary focus is on appreciating those among us who served honorably and to acknowledge their contributions to the nation’s security and freedom.
In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. This act encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a moment of silence, honoring the service members who died in defense of the country. The moment aims to instill in each generation a sense of gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives for America’s freedoms.
Similarly, on October 7, 2016, President Obama signed the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act. This act calls for a two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day, observed at precisely 3:11 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (2:11 p.m. Eastern, 1:11 p.m. Central, 12:11 p.m. Mountain, 11:11 a.m. Pacific, 10:11 a.m. Alaska, and 9:11 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian). This moment of silence is meant to unify Americans in recognizing the sacrifices of veterans.
Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day serve as opportunities for Americans to reflect on the service and sacrifice of millions of men and women who wore the uniform. While Memorial Day reminds us of the cost of freedom by remembering the fallen, Veterans Day allows us to express gratitude to all who served. Together, these observances foster a deeper appreciation for the freedoms safeguarded by the dedication of America’s military personnel, past and present.
