Memorial Day and Veterans Day are often confused, so we consulted Military.com to find out a little more about the background and most appropriate ways to honor Memorial Day properly.
Observed the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while in service to the United States. This can be both during peace and war. Memorial Day often misunderstood to be a “celebration,” but it is designed to be more of a solemn reflection on veterans and military personnel who are deceased.
What Is The Meaning of Memorial Day?
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a day to honor members of the military who were killed in service. This can be both during deployments overseas or in training and service. Across the country, Americans spend the day visiting cemeteries, attending Memorial Day events and otherwise honoring those who lost their lives.
The day also traditionally marks the first “unofficial day of summer.”
What Do You Say on Memorial Day?
Because Memorial Day is a somber day to honor those who died in service to the country, saying “Happy Memorial Day” is considered poor taste.
It is instead advised that if you feel the need to say something, try “Have a meaningful Memorial Day” or something similar.
What Is The Difference Between Memorial and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day is a day to honor the sacrifice and loss of members of the military who died in service. Veterans Day, on the other hand, is a day to honor the service of any man or woman who has served in the U.S. military. Read more about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
