What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

“Celebrate Veterans Day November 11, with LIBERTY FLAGS, The American Wave®

The Build Up to Veterans Day (November 11) — 4 of 6

In post number four of our build up to Veterans Day we look at what makes Veterans Day unique, and minimize the confusion between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Between now and Veterans Day, we will continue to share the history and importance of honoring our veterans.

Alike in Dignity

The main similarity between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is that both holidays were created to honor those soldiers who have gone to war on behalf of our country and, in so doing, lost their lives. The holidays are set aside each year to honor the men and women brave enough to risk everything while wearing the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.

World War II Veterans Celebrated

Happy to Have Them Home

The principal difference between the two observances is that Veterans Day extends its reach to also include those veterans who made it home, having accomplished the missions they set out to achieve on behalf of our nation. It makes no difference whether they are veterans of war or peace, it is enough that they served our nation, protecting the people and freedoms represented by the American flag. Long before Armistice Day was first celebrated, Abraham Lincoln spoke the following words, which still hold truth.

"The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."

How We Honor

Many people honor veterans on or near Veterans Day in many different ways. Celebrations and ceremonies range from school plays to outdoor parades to somber graveside observances. It is common to see children proudly waving personal American flags, to see military flags waving in parades, or for friends and loved ones to place ceremonial markers at appropriate grave-sites.

Do You Know a Veteran?

Show your support!
Buy military flags here.
Buy military gifts here.

For a quick study, enjoy this short video, courtesy of the History Channel.


Related Links: The Veterans Day Series...

1 — Remembering the Day of Remembrance
2 — Honor for One Becomes Honor for All
3 — An American Celebration of Peace
4 — The Difference Between Veterans Day & Memorial Day
5 — The Path Our Veterans Forged
6 — On Veterans Day, Make a Veteran's Day

Photo Call!

Send us your pictures of Veterans Day Observations, American flags, flagpoles, ropes, or other accessories! We would be honored to feature your photography in our blog or on Facebook. Remember, photos of damaged flags and accessories are valuable, too.

Do you have suggestions for information you'd like to see here? If so, please send them our way!

Please send all of your suggestions or questions to service@LibertyFlags.com. We want to hear from you!

Have a great day, from your friends at LIBERTY FLAGS, The American Wave®.

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