It's Time You Know the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day - Plus, A Lowcountry Serviceman's Special Message from Japan
Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day by MilitaryBenefits
These two holidays both recognize the importance of military service, and they both honor the sacrifices made by active duty, Guard, Reserve troops, and family members. But these two holidays are separate and distinct; there are good reasons why both are observed each year.
Aside from their different histories, origins, and intentions, the biggest difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is who each observance is for.
Memorial Day is, as the name implies, a time to pay respect and honor those who have died either while serving their country, as a result of military service, or after they have finished serving as a retired or separated veteran.
Veterans Day honors those who have served in the past, present, and even pays tribute to those who will serve in the future.
When They’re Observed
Memorial Day: The last Monday of May
Veterans Day: November 11 of each year
Moment of Silences
Memorial Day: The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence for a minute at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. The 3 pm time was chosen, because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. It is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages.
Veterans Day: The Veterans Day Moment of Silence calls on all Americans to observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day, beginning at 3:11 pm Atlantic standard time, in honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the nation. The 3:11 pm time was chose because in 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I.
Thanks to the advanced technology of the iHeartRadio App, our military personnel can listen live to their hometown radio stations from any military base in the world. Take a listen to this Lowcountry Serviceman's special message from Japan - BONUS!