Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day all have to do with honoring our military service personnel but they are not at all the same.  The days celebrate those “who died wearing the uniform,” those “who are currently wearing the uniform” and those “who have worn the uniform.”

Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, is a federal holiday in the United States. It honors those service personnel who died in the service of their country.  They died “wearing the uniform.” 

The observance began as “Decoration Day” after the Civil War. The graves of those who died in that great conflict were decorated in honor of their sacrifice.  In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday in the United States.

Though the day is specifically designated to honor our fallen service men and women, it is common for many to honor and remember all deceased family and friends. It is also common for United States flags to fly on all deceased veteran’s graves. 

Armed Forces Day is observed the third Saturday in May. It is not a federal holiday. The purpose of the day is to increase awareness of the Armed Forces of the United States. The day is to honor all who are currently “wearing the uniform.”

Veterans Day, observed each year on November 11, is to honor those men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of our country. The observance began after World War I as Armistice Day. November 11 was chosen because WWI, “the war to end all wars” ended with an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

In the United States, the name was changed to “Veterans Day” in 1954. Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States. The day is observed as “Armistice Day” or “Remembrance Day” in other parts of the world.

Celebrating Veterans Day can be as simple as flying the flag of the United States or thanking a veteran who has served in our Armed Forces. Other choices are to attend the Veterans Day parades in Beloit or Belleville.  Beloit’s parade begins at 11 a.m. and Belleville’s at 2 p.m. 

The Desire Tobey Sears Chapter NSDAR encourages you to do one or more of those things on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11th.