Understanding the difference

While those who died are also remembered, 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.  In closing, please note the correct spelling of Veterans Day, not Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day. We’ll give the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs the last word:

“Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an ‘s’ at the end of ‘veterans‘ . It is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans”

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.  Memorial Day can trace its origin back to the post Civil War era, originally established as “Decoration Day” – a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. May 30th was likely chosen because all the flowers would be in bloom across the country.