05/20/2026
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Veterans Day is observed officially each year on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.
It is customary to spend time remembering and honoring United States Veterans on both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:
- Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
- Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL Veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces—in wartime or peacetime—both living and deceased.
Source: Almanac
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