Famous Veterans Day Quotes
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”Woodrow Wilson
“Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for theyve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” Ronald Reagan
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”Douglas MacArthur
READ MORE: 14 Quotes Honoring US Veterans
What Is The Difference Between Veterans Day And Memorial Day
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Both honor U.S. military personnelbut the holidays arose for different reasons.
The federal holidays of Veterans Day and Memorial Day are both designed to celebrate members of the U.S. military, but there are a few key differences. Memorial Day, which took shape after the Civil War, is considered a day to honor those who were killed in or as a result of participating in battle. Veterans Day, which materialized at the end of World War I, is a day to honor all service men and women, but especially those who remain with us to share their experiences.
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.”
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History Of Veterans Day
Although World War I formally ended with signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, it was the cessation of fighting between the Allied forces and Germany at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, that came to symbolize the end of the Great War.
President Woodrow Wilson subsequently proclaimed the first “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, an occasion to be commemorated with parades and the temporary suspension of businesses at 11 a.m. By that time, the governors of six states had already .
Congress formally recognized the annual November 11 observance in 1926, and in 1938, Armistice Day became a legal U.S. holiday, dedicated to the promise of world peace.
Toward the end of the following decade, however, public sentiment toward the celebration of peace was shifting toward a recognition of the sacrifices made by the 16-plus million Americans who had participated in World War II. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the first official “National Veterans Day” event took place in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947.
The Uniform Holiday Bill of 1968 moved Veterans Day from November 11 to the fourth Monday in October. However, the change was met with resistance by traditionalists who considered the date to be inseparable from the rites of observance. Following congressional hearings to discuss the issue, President Gerald Ford in 1975 reinstated the holiday’s original date of November 11, effective 1978.
Memorial Day Fast Facts
The Veterans Affairs Administration traces the history back to 1869, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization made up of Union veterans, established Decoration Day. On Decoration Day, those around the country were encouraged to cover the graves of those who died in the Civil War with flowers. The date of 30 May was chosen as it was believed that flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
More widespread celebration of Memorial Day began after World War I. Over 116,000 US soldiers died during World War I, and while the US and its allies were victorious the country was in mourning.
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When Is Veterans Day
Like Memorial Day, Veterans Day also has an established day of the year.
Each year, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 because, in 1918, that day marked the end of the Great War, according to the United Service Organizations.
It was previously referred to as Armistice Day but was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower who issued the Veterans Day Proclamation after Veterans who fought in World War II and the Korean War urged Congress to recognize them.
It was later the establishment of the Uniform Holiday Bill that moved Washingtons Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day to Mondays so federal employees could enjoy three-day weekends, the USO notes.
Veterans Day Honors All Living Who Served In The Military
Veterans Day is a day when honor, respect, and tribute is paid to the men and women who have served in any capacity in the Armed Forces. It is a day to respect and thank those who have fought and served the United States.
This is the day to tag your former military friends on Facebook and thank them for their lifetime of service and dedication. Veterans Day isnt solely for those who fought in war, but for all those who have served in the US military.
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Memorial Day Vs Veterans Day: Here’s The Difference
Do you know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
A few years ago, there was a about a woman getting a haircut before Memorial Day weekend. She had lost her husband in a Navy helicopter crash months prior. He died on deployment, never having met their youngest son. So, when the smiling receptionist wished her a “Happy Memorial Day” after she had buried her spouse, the words cut extra deep.
Before you tag every veteran and service member on Facebook and wish them a Happy Memorial Day, remember that, in this community, Memorial Day means something much, much bigger than the start of summer. The day feels fraught with memories of those we’ve lost, mixed with gratitude for the times we’ve had.
Armed Forces Day Honors All Who Currently Serve In The Military
As opposed to the first two holidays, Armed Forces Day honors all current military members who serve in any branch in the Armed Forces.
Though each branch of the military such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force have their own days to recognize and honor their branches, Armed Forces Day presents an opportunity for every American to recognize and honor all the members of the Armed Forces currently serving.
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The Difference Between Memorial Day And Veterans Day Explained
Throughout the year, there are dozens of patriotic holidays designed to honor those who have served the United States armed forces. However, with many of the holidays having similar names, its easy to see how they could be confused with one another. One example of many is Memorial Day and Veterans Day, which often get mixed up.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Keep reading for what you need to know.
How Memorial Day And Veterans Day Originated
- Memorial Day: This holiday was first celebrated a year after the end of the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the nations first national cemeteries. Until 1971, the holiday was known as Decoration Day in reference to the decoration of graves.
- Veterans Day: The first celebration was on Nov. 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. Hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Until 1954, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day.
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Spelling Of Veterans Day
While the holiday is commonly printed as Veteran’s Day or Veterans’ Day in calendars and advertisements, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website states that the attributive rather than the possessive case is the official spelling “because it is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.”
The Difference Between Memorial Day Independence Day And Veterans Day
Posted in Uncategorized on June 30, 2016 Tags: history, holiday, veterans
Americans enjoy several holidays with their military family and friends. Hot dogs, fireworks, flags and other summertime activities. Thanks to our veterans, we are privileged to have these special days to enjoy our freedoms,
liberties and cultural values. However, many do not realize how our nationally recognized holidays were established nor understand their significance. Here is a quick tutorial on the difference between some of our most beloved ones: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
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What Is A Good Memorial Day Message
“There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” “Over all our happy country over all our Nation spread, is a band of noble heroesis our Army of the Dead.” “What I can do for my country, I am willing to do.” “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
Is Everyone Off On Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends.
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Memorial Day Veterans Day And Armed Forces Day: What’s The Difference
While Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Armed Forces Day acknowledge the service and sacrifices of our military members, it’s essential to understand the difference between these important days.
Veterans are often thanked for their service on Memorial Day and during the holiday weekend when we should be honoring our fallen heroes who died in service to our country. Some veterans will politely acknowledge your appreciation and continue with their day. Some will gently remind you that today is not about them. Some may show frustration for your not understanding the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
“As a Marine veteran, while it’s unacceptable to be rude, it is acceptable to correct somebody so that they understand the difference. Veterans are thanked for their service frequently, but for one day every year, we should focus on those who sacrificed everything for this country.” — David Ogden, Marine Veteran
How Memorial Day And Veterans Day Are Observed
- Memorial Day: Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, while volunteers often decorate the graves at national cemeteries with American flags, placing one on each grave. People may run to the store and buy Memorial Day decorations for their homes, and many towns hold annual parades as well. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time.
- Veterans Day: Normally, towns hold parades, churches schedule special services and familiesmilitary families and otherscome together to thank living veterans for their service and remember all who have served.
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There Are Many Customs Regarding Memorial Day
The Boys Scout and Girls Scouts set a candle at each soldiers gravesite at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. They do this on the Saturday before Memorial Day.
The 3rd Infantry placed a mini American flag at each soldiers gravestone at Arlington National Cemetery. Then, they patrol for an entire day to make sure that the flags stay standing. They do this on the Thursday before Memorial Day.
The National Moment of Remembrance local time has been set at 3 pm by the National Moment of Remembrance Act.
All governors are requested by the President to direct the flag to be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day. This happens on all grounds, buildings, and vessels. Citizens do this at their homes.
What Is The Difference Between Memorial Day And Veterans Day
Yearly, Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May and is often observed with barbecues and outdoor fun. According to the USO official website, the holiday honors those who have died in military service. The first record of the holidays celebration dates back to 1866, when the town of Waterloo, New York, held a Decoration Day to honor the deceased by decorating their graves with flowers and memorials.
Years later, in 1868, General John A. Logan declared a national Decoration Day to take place on May 30, as the date was neutral for both sides of the Civil War to honor their fallen soldiers. Over time, the holiday became known as Memorial Day. One hundred years later, in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was written into law, and its remained ever since.
Veterans Day, on the other hand, falls on November 11 yearly and honors every person who has served in the military, not just those who have died in service. The holiday originated in 1919 as Armistice Day to honor the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress called for an annual holiday observance of the date, and by 1938 it became a federal holiday. However, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the holiday name to Veterans Day.
So, whether youre celebrating Veterans Day or Memorial Day, its important to honor those who have fought and died for our freedoms.
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How To Celebrate Veterans Day
Veterans Day is the day to celebrate all those who have served in the armed forces. Shout them out on social media, invite them over for a picnic, and play some of your favorite military tribute songs.
This is your opportunity to let the vets in your life know how thankful you are for their life of sacrifice on your behalf, how grateful you are for their service, and how proud of them you are for their decision to serve in Americas Military.
Memorial Day Vs Veterans Day
In the U.S., Memorial Day and Veterans Day are annual federal holidays used to commemorate the lives of soldiers and others who have served in the armed forces. Memorial Day commemorates those men and women who died serving in the United States Armed Forces, while Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces, not only those who have passed.
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What Do You Say To A Soldier On Memorial Day
What To Say To A Veteran On Memorial Day, Because Emotions Are High
- Thank you for your service, and may those you’ve lost rest in peace.” …
- What would you like people to know? …
- When and where did you serve? …
- Someone I love served, too. …
- What would you change about the military today? …
- “Thank you for your sacrifice.
Ask A Reporter: What’s The Difference Between Veterans Day And Memorial Day
Retired Col. Dan Camia and Bill Moss salute after placing a wreath during the 2019 Veterans Day ceremony at the Carolina Field of Honor at One Triad Park in Kernersville.
Thank you to all our veterans for your service.
Question: Whats the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
A.N.
Answer: Both days are observances to honor those who have served in the military. Memorial Day, which is in May, particularly honors those who were killed during their service. Veterans Day honors all those who have served.
BH Media
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military in wartime or peacetime, according to the website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 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.
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Veterans Day Began After World War I
On November 11, 1918, Armistice was officially declared, ending World War I, known to that generation as The Great War. It was thought that World War I would be the war to end wars and that wed finally see the last of it. That, however, was not the case.
In 1919, President Wilson declared November 11 to be celebrated nationally as Armistice Day. This was to be an opportunity to celebrate all those who served in WWI and were veterans of that engagement.
In 1954, however, America had just gone through World War II and Armistice Day was no longer a broad enough day of recognition. Now, we had servicemen and women who served in WWII that needed to be honored and recognized. Congress officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day and then-president Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law.
Though the date of remembrance was changed once, it was quickly changed back to November 11, marking the day that WWI concluded. To this day, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans that have fought for America and the holiday is celebrated on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on.