Memorial Day 2019: What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a time reserved to honor those who have died in the service of their country.

The day is often confused with Veterans Day, which is November 11 of each year.

Here is the difference between Remembrance Day and Veterans Day:

Memorial Day

Memorial Day has its roots in the 1860s Decoration Day tradition, in which the graves of the war dead were decorated with flowers.

The first big celebration took place in 1868 at the Arlington National Cemetery. Congress officially instituted Memorial Day in 1971.

Memorial Day is a time reserved to commemorate and honor fallen service personnel, especially those killed in action.

Memorial Day has many unique traditions. In December 2000, Congress passed a law establishing the "National Moment of Commemoration. The day encourages Americans to take a break wherever they are at 3 pm for a moment of reflection.

Memorial Day also has a flag tradition. On Remembrance Day, the flag should be hoisted halfway up the sunrise staff at noon, and then rushed up the staff until nightfall in honor of the heroes of the battle .

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is November 11, a tradition that marks the end of the First World War. The day was later expanded to include veterans from all wars.

Veterans Day honors all those who served in the US military, whether in war or peacetime.