Remember, Honor, Reflect: A Veteran's Perspective

Posted by greatdayradio on 26.05.2025, 15:42 1268 0

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two of America's most significant holidays honoring military service, but they serve very different purposes. Unfortunately, many Americans confuse these holidays or miss their true significance amid the sales and barbecues that have become associated with them – particularly Memorial Day.

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is specifically dedicated to remembering and honoring military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It originated after the Civil War as "Decoration Day," when Americans would place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. For veterans who have served in combat zones and lost comrades, Memorial Day carries a heavy emotional weight. As DJ Mikey D explains in our podcast, many veterans experience anxiety and depression during Memorial Day because it triggers memories of fallen friends. This is why veterans often find it uncomfortable when civilians wish them a "Happy Memorial Day" – the day is meant to be solemn, not celebratory. There are specific traditions associated with Memorial Day that many Americans may not know about, such as displaying the U.S. flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon, or attaching a black ribbon to flags that cannot be lowered.

Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11th (originally Armistice Day marking the end of World War I), serves a distinctly different purpose. This holiday honors all who have served in the military – both living and deceased – during times of war and peace. Unlike the solemn tone of Memorial Day, Veterans Day is more celebratory, focused on thanking living veterans for their service and acknowledging their contributions to our nation's security and freedom. Communities across America hold parades, ceremonies, and special events where civilians can express gratitude to those who have worn the uniform. Schools and organizations often organize programs specifically designed to thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for showing proper respect. When we confuse these holidays or reduce them to shopping opportunities, we diminish their significance and potentially cause pain to those most closely connected to their meaning. For veterans who have lost friends in combat, seeing Memorial Day treated as just another vacation day can be deeply hurtful. Similarly, veterans deserve recognition and appreciation on Veterans Day for their willingness to serve, regardless of whether they saw combat. Both holidays provide important opportunities for Americans to reflect on the true cost of freedom and the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. Whether by visiting a cemetery, attending a memorial service, volunteering with veterans' organizations, or simply taking a moment of silence, there are meaningful ways to honor both holidays with the respect and dignity they deserve.

• Memorial Day observed the last Monday of May honors military personnel who died while serving
• Originally called Decoration Day, it began after the Civil War for decorating graves of fallen soldiers
• U.S. flag should be displayed at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day
• Veterans often experience anxiety and depression during Memorial Day due to memories of fallen comrades
• Veterans Day celebrated November 11th honors all who served in military, both living and deceased
• Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day marking the end of World War I
• Memorial Day has a solemn tone while Veterans Day is more celebratory
• Important to respect these differences and honor them appropriately

If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with the Veterans Crisis Line 24 hours a day by calling 988-PRESS-1, texting 838255, or chatting at veteranscrisisline.net.