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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Why Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day

Why Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day:


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Why Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day


Washington, DC - May, 26: Members of Alpha Company, 4th battalion, 3rd U.S. infantry regiment, the Old Guard, plant American flags on the headstones at the Soldiers and Airmen home National Cemetery for Memorial Day weekend on May, 26, 2011in Washington, DC. (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post) (Bill O'Leary)
Soldiers each year place American flags on the headstones at the Soldiers and Airmen home National Cemetery for Memorial Day.  (2011 photo by Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post) (Bill O’Leary)
Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans Day, and according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, here’s why:
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 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. 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.
Veterans Day and Memorial Day have different histories.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the first official observance of Memorial Day was 

Memorial Day in one big infographic

From our friendly U.S. Census Bureau, all about Memorial Day in a single infographic: