What is the difference between Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Armed Forces Day?
Veterans Day honors all veterans who have ever served honorably in any branch of the military, including the Merchant Marine. This day celebrates the living as much as anything. This day allows all of us who are also living to thank them for their personal sacrifice and contribution toward our national security, regardless of their job (MOS, AFSC, ratings), rank, or longevity of service. Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11th.
Memorial Day remembers and honors all military personnel who died while in service of their country. Memorial Day especially emphasizes those who died as a result of battle. Often Memorial Day is marked by ceremonies in various national cemeteries and memorials. Many times volunteers place American flags on each grave site. Memorial Day is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May, with a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 pm local time.
Armed Forces Day honors all Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the U.S. Department of Defense. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May, falling near the end of Armed Forces Week. First observed on May 20, 1950, the day was created on August 31, 1949, to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services. So Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Why is this important? There are men and women in your community who have sacrificed or are currently sacrificing for your freedom. Take a moment or two to thank them. We need to tell them “Thank you!” while we have the opportunity. Once they are gone, we missed our opportunity.
Want to thank a veteran, here is a “Thank You Veterans“ post from the archive.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
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