What Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and Armed Forces Day Mean in Minnesota
Seeing that the Memorial Day holiday weekend is upon us, we often think of it as the unofficial kick-off to the summer season. But it also has a much more important meaning, one that's unique from Veteran's Day and Armed Forces Day. Do you know the differences between them?
I saw an illustration from the American Gold Star Mothers on Facebook the other day. I think it does a really good job of explaining the differences in these three federal holidays.
For instance, it noted that Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May (May 28th this year), and remembers those who died serving their country, whether in war or peacetime.
Armed Forces Day, meanwhile, is celebrated on the third Saturday in May (which was last Saturday, May 19th this year) and honors those currently bravely serving our country in our armed forces.
Veteran's Day, meanwhile, is celebrated on November 11th each year, and honors those who've worn the uniform and served their country in any branch of our armed forces.
So while they're all similar in nature, there are distinct differences to each day.
And of course, while it's often tempting to think of Memorial Day as the three-day weekend that marks the start of summer, the REAL meaning to the holiday is something we should ALL remember, right?
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