Posted on Monday, November 10, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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0 Comments
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Many people confuse the purpose of Veterans Day with Memorial Day. Since Veterans Day is occurring this month, let’s explore the significance of each to gain accurate perspective.
About Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday that occurs in the United States on the last Monday in May. We often hear people exclaim, “Happy Memorial Day!” When they say this, they likely refer to the long three-day weekend that essentially marks the beginning of summer, the store sales, and the barbecues that people attend. Many people erroneously perceive the words “federal holiday” to mean a day of joy and celebration. But that is not what Memorial Day is about. At the core, it is a solemn and somber day of remembrance and reflection for those who died while serving in the U.S. military. It particularly honors those who died in battle or because of wounds sustained in battle. Therefore, it is generally not considered appropriate to say, “Happy Memorial Day,” especially when attending events related to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
About Veterans Day
Veterans Day is recognized on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Like Memorial Day, it is also an annually observed federal holiday. But it has its own meaning. Veterans Day (without the apostrophe) is a day to honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The possessive is not used as the day does not belong to veterans, rather it’s a day for honoring them. Originally, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day. However, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans. The date 11/11 marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, which happened at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. It is important to distinguish Veterans Day from Memorial Day, as they each carry their own great significance.
Honoring ALL who served
Per The United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day is intended to honor LIVING veterans for their service and “…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.” Therefore, Veterans Day honors ALL living and dead who served honorably in the military – in times of war and peace. Veterans Day provides opportunities to show appreciation to living Veterans who served in the military, particularly the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Space Force by attending special ceremonies and offering our thanks. It is considered acceptable to say, “Happy Veterans Day,” in appreciation of a person’s military service. It is also polite and respectful to say, “Thank you for your service.”
Words of wisdom
Reverend Billy Graham (1918 – 2018), an American ordained Southern Baptist minister and civil rights advocate, felt a calling to regularly visit veterans in the hospital. He described, “Some have been in the hospital for years and will remain there the rest of their lives. What a price they have paid for all of us. I once talked to a man who had lost a leg in World War II. When I remarked about the price he had paid, he said, ‘It was worth it, wasn’t it?” Graham cautioned Americans to never forget those who served, encouraging people to visit, pray for, and care for veterans who selflessly dedicated their lives for the protection of others and for the gift of freedom.
Important ceremonies
Veterans Day ceremonies include formal events like the national wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a color guard parade and speeches. Folks are encouraged to attend local parades with marching bands and veterans and observe solemn moments of silence at 11 am. Many schools and organizations also pay tribute to American veterans. Specific memorials, like the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial and others hold their own special ceremonies. For instance, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial often includes the reading of names of the fallen soldiers and offers tributes to promote remembrance and reflection of veterans. Bear in mind that this year’s federal government shutdown may impact some events.
Expressing gratitude
November 11 is a special day set aside to appreciate and express gratitude toward our veterans who dedicated their lives to service. It is also appropriate to thank the families of those who served for their support. In honor of Veterans Day, The National Park Service, NPS, is an agency of the federal government within the United States Department of the Interior. They boast a unique direct connection to the American military, with dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites under their care. NPS describes these special places as “tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and freedoms that our veterans protect.” They invite all visitors to remember U.S. veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day or by attending local events that support veterans and their families. Understand that national parks may be impacted by the federal government shutdown this year, so be aware of schedule changes or temporary closures.
Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only.
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