What's The Difference?

Armed Forces Day

Thanks to President Harry S. Truman, we have Armed Forces Day; a military day of recognition that occurs on the third Saturday in May. While this is a lesser-known day, and not a federal holiday, this is the day to honor those currently serving in all six branches of the U.S. military.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day honors Americans who died while in military service. It's a day that allows us to remember our fallen heroes. This federal holiday was formerly known as Decoration Day and was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers after the Civil War. At the end of World War I, it has evolved to honor American service members who have died in all wars.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a public holiday observed each year on November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I. It is a day for honoring military veterans; that is, persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day replaced Armistice Day in 1954.