Memorial Day is a very special holiday coming up on May 29th. It’s important because it is a day we honor our fallen soldiers and pay our respects to them. Memorial Day, which became known overtime, was originally meant to honor those who died in the American Civil War; it wasn’t until after WWI where it was later meant to commemorate American soldiers who died in war from WWII until now. From 1868 to 1970 it was on May 30th, but it is now on the 29th since then. The holiday is different from Veterans Day because instead of honoring soldiers who fought, Memorial Day honors soldiers who didn’t make it back home because they were KIA or went missing. This day helps us remember the fallen and his or her sacrifices to protect and serve the country.

Veterans Day is about commemorating the soldiers who served in the armed forces. The day was formed after the end of WWI on November 11, 1918 when the armistice was signed after Germany surrendered and Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, which means that he stepped down. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson made November 11 a day to remember veterans with red poppies. At this point it only seemed right since France, Britain, Australia, and Canada already had Veterans Day in their respective countries. 

A lot of people confuse these two holidays, but it is important to celebrate and honor both because we can’t forget the men, women, of all races who risk and lost their lives to protect their families, their home, and their freedom.  This year, make sure to pay attention on May 27t, 2023 and pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

***All information gathered from The History Channel website