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VA Clarifies The Difference Between Memorial Day & Veterans Day
The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) has outlined the difference between MEMORIAL DAY and VETERANS DAY in response to constant public confusion regarding the two military-related holidays.
MEMORIAL DAY is observed on the last MONDAY in MAY and honors U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the ARMED FORCES. The holiday originated following the CIVIL WAR and was first known as DECORATION DAY. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.
VETERANS DAY is held annually on NOVEMBER 11th and recognizes all individuals who have served in the U.S. MILITARY, including those still living. It began as ARMISTICE DAY in 1919 to commemorate the end of WORLD WAR I and was later renamed VETERANS DAY in 1954 to include all veterans.
According to the DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, “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.”
In contrast, VETERANS DAY, “is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime.”
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