With Memorial Day approaching, it’s common to hear people thanking veterans for their service. While well-intended, this gesture doesn’t quite align with the holiday’s true purpose.
The United States observes three distinct days honoring veterans and service members: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. While each pays tribute to military personnel, they honor specific veterans’ groups.
Created in 1949 by U.S. Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, Armed Forces Day replaced separate celebrations for the Army, Navy and Air Force. This shift emphasized the unification of all U.S. military branches under the Department of Defense.
The first Armed Forces Day took place on Saturday, May 20, 1950, marking a nationwide demonstration of military preparedness.
Today, the May observance includes all branches, including the Space Force and Coast Guard.
If you want to thank active-duty service members, this is the appropriate day to do so. Armed Forces Day honors all current members of the U.S. military serving around the world.
As The New York Times noted in 1952: “Armed Forces Day won’t be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in the line of duty, and some of them may give their lives in that duty.”
Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day—originally known as Decoration Day—honors and mourns U.S. military personnel who died in service. It is a solemn day of remembrance, including those missing in action.
Each year in Kewanee, the Kewanee Veterans Council holds a ceremony at Veterans Park, weather permitting. While it’s common for people to thank veterans on Memorial Day, the holiday’s true focus is honoring fallen service members.
Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, is dedicated to honoring living veterans who have retired their uniforms.
Even the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that many people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. While Memorial Day recognizes those who died in service, Veterans Day is set aside to thank all those who served honorably, whether during war or peace.
This day is a tribute to those who defended national security, ensuring their sacrifices and contributions are recognized and appreciated.
Each of these observances plays a vital role in recognizing service members, past and present. Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving or those in uniform, Memorial Day remembers those who gave their lives or made the ultimate sacrifice for their uniform and Veterans Day celebrates those who have served honorably and have hung up their uniforms.
By understanding these distinctions, we can ensure our tributes are both respectful and appropriately directed toward the heroes they are meant to honor.
