Do you know what the difference is between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? While some people don’t even realize that there is a difference, there is!

“I know no difference, I just go with what they tell me,” said Xiomara Loa (senior, Liberal Studies).

While there are some similarities, they both are federal holidays that honor our military members. And there are obvious differences like Veterans Day is always celebrated on November 11 and Memorial Day is the last Monday in May.

The easiest way to explain the difference between the two holidays, as Maggie Ayers, the director of San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery said, ”In a nutshell, Veterans Day is a for all Veterans and Memorial Day is to memorialize the fallen soldiers. To honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

There are some people who don’t realize that Memorial Day is only to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Instead, we celebrate Memorial Day, forgetting that it was not always a joyful celebration.

Judy Veilleux, a widow, whose late husband served twenty years in the US Army, said, “Veterans Day is always a more emotional time for me, I think more about my late husband and I get more patriotic during this time of year. I feel more people remember what Veterans Day is about, while many people forget the true meaning of what Memorial Day is about. Instead, Memorial Day is used for picnics and BBQs and people see it as the unofficial start of the summer, but it is supposed to be to remember the fallen soldiers.”

So, as we enjoy our three day weekends, remember to honor all Veterans on Veterans Day and next May, as you enjoy your picnics and hot dogs and you celebrate the unofficial start of the summer, remember those fallen soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of our freedoms. To learn more about our veterans and other frequently asked questions click here.

Happy Veterans Day to all of our Service Member-past, present, and future. We thank you for your service!