Our nation’s military veterans have sacrificed their lives for our country. There are many ways to commemorate their efforts. Take some time to remember those who have served and those who have fallen, whether they are from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. You can visit memorials, donate to worthy causes, be more informed or take some time to volunteer for organizations that embrace the sacrifices of our veterans. You can keep their memory alive with these small actions.

When it comes to national holidays, we often misunderstand or confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but here are the reasons we recognize these days individually.

MEMORIAL DAY

VETERANS DAY

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MEMORIAL DAY

This national holiday commemorates those in the U.S. Armed Forces who have died in military service. Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday of May each year.

◊ It was first established by the Grand Army of the Republic as Decoration Day and celebrated on May 30, 1868 to honor the gravesites of fallen Civil War soldiers.

◊ Decoration Day was celebrated for several decades on May 30, regardless of the day of the week.

◊ After World War II, the name Memorial Day eventually became synonymous with Decoration Day to include military men and women of all branches of the nation’s armed services.

◊ When Congress adopted the National Holiday Act of 1971, Memorial Day was changed to its present observance.

◊ The National Moment of Remembrance was introduced in 1997. At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, one minute of silence honors those who died during wartime.

MEMORIAL DAY

While Memorial Day is often marked for family get-togethers, barbecues and parades, there has been a recent resurgence of somber celebrations and acts of appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice on this national holiday.

The observance of Veterans Day recognizes those in the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, living and deceased. It is currently celebrated each year on November 11.

VETERANS DAY

◊ In 1938, Armistice Day was officially established to commemorate the temporary truce between Germany and the Allied forces in World War I. It represented the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

◊ In 1954, the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day, commemorating the importance of military service by all veterans.

◊ Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October in keeping with the National Holiday Act of 1971.

◊ In 1975, President Gerald Ford restored Veterans Day to the 11th day of the 11th month due to its significance.

VETERANS DAY

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 21 million vets in the U.S. 16 million served during war time, and 5.5 million served during peace time. Americans can honor the dedication and service of military veterans in many ways.

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W

TO HONOR A VETERAN

◊ Fly the American flag

◊ Organize or attend a parade

◊ Merchants can offer military discounts

HOW TO HONOR A VETERAN

◊ Observe Memorial Day and Veterans Day

◊ Visit retired veterans in the local community

◊ Sending holiday cards and care packages to deployed troops

HOW TO HONOR A VETERAN

◊ Placing wreaths, flags or flowers at gravesites of military veterans

◊ Say thank you to those dressed in military uniform or wearing lapel pins

◊ Donate needed items to wounded patients in the local veterans hospital

HOW TO HONOR A VETERAN

The number of websites and online programs honoring the fallen members of the armed services has increased with the growing popularity of social media. It’s easier now more than ever to provide support to veterans groups and assist survivors through social sharing. Some ways to become more involved include:

◊ Search for and follow veterans support organizations on Twitter and Facebook.

◊ Share online obituaries and death notices of veteran family members.

◊ Remind friends and followers on special holidays to honor our military.

HOW TO HONOR A VETERAN

SOCIAL SHARING

Arlington National Cemetery accepts requests to fly an American flag over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in someone’s honor or memory. In addition to your name, address and contact information, you provide:

◊ An American flag

◊ Organization or honoree’s name and rank

◊ Self-addressed return packaging and postage

HOW TO HONOR A VETERAN

Flying a Commemorative Flag

PRESERVING HISTORY

The best way to honor our military heroes is to preserve their history and recognize their accomplishments.

Become InformedTo learn more about the dedicated service of our U.S. military in peace time and war time, take the time to become informed.

◊ Read books about fallen heroes of wartime, like “The Face of Battle” by John Keegan Viking, “To Hell and Back” by Audie Murphy Holt and “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” by James D. Hornfischer Bantam.

◊ Visit museums dedicated to war history, such as the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri and the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

PRESERVING HISTORY

Visit War Memorials◊ African American Civil War Memorial, Washington, DC

◊ Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC

◊ Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Missouri

◊ National D-Day Memorial, Bedford, Virginia

◊ National Memorial Arch, Rome, Pennsylvania

◊ National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC

◊ State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Indianapolis, Indiana

◊ Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington, Virginia

◊ Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC

◊ Vietnam Women’s Memorial, Washington, DC

◊ U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Virginia

◊ USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

◊ West Virginia Veterans Memorial, Charleston, West Virginia

PRESERVING HISTORY

There are many ways to remember our military veterans and honor their commitment to this nation and sacrifice for our country.

To learn more about how you can honor the military veterans in your family, as well as other loved ones in your life who have died, with an affordable online death notice, obituary or tribute, visit www.obitsdaily.com.

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