What is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Both Memorial and Veterans Day are patriotic American holidays. But what’s the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? We shall let you know that difference first. Then, compare these holidays in detail in this post.

Americans celebrate Veterans Day on 11th of November yearly. Further, they celebrate it to honor everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. On the other hand, Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May. This day honors American men and women (patriots) who died serving in the military.

Are you an American patriot, too? Why not honor your country? Place a Thin Blue Line U.S. Flag Pin on your attire. Or wear the “Murica” Flag Patch to show your love for America.

History of Veterans Day

American President Woodrow Wilson first established Veterans Day as a federal holiday in 1938. However, he called it Armistice Day and established it to honor the end of World War I and remember the armistice (agreement). Dedicated to the cause of world peace, Armistice Day evolved into Veterans Day with time.

In 1954, the U.S. suffered the havoc of World War II and the Korean War. It broadened the scope of holidays. Further, the 83rd U.S. Congress replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veterans” in the Act of 1938. It amended that at the urging of Veterans Service Organizations (VSO). So, Armistice Day evolved into Veterans Day on November 11th, 1954.

History of Memorial Day

Americans started recognizing Memorial Day in 1868. Originally Americans called Memorial Day Decoration Day, which began during the American Civil War. General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army Republic (GAR) established Decoration Day to be observed every May 30th. This holiday started with communities decorating the graves of those who died serving in the military.

Gradually, Decoration Day earned the name Memorial Day. This change occurred after World War I to remember American military personnel who died in all wars, including the following:

• World War II
• The Vietnam War
• The Korean War
• The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

In 1968, Congress passed and approved the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. It established the celebration of Memorial Day on the last Monday of May instead of May 30th. So, it became a federal holiday in 1971, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees.

Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day?

Primarily, we celebrate Veterans Day to honor the American military veterans. Not to mention, serving in the military is a big sacrifice. It not only takes a person's time and energy but also puts an individual in danger. Many people don’t have the courage to serve in the American military. But those who have that deserve our deepest gratitude. We should celebrate this day with Veterans Day Essentials.

That is to say, flying an American flag on a flag pole with pride. Or darting a shirt for comfortable Veterans Day gatherings. Or choose between a pullover vs. a hoodie to wear with an American Flag Patch - Hook Back.

Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?

Similar to Veterans Day, Memorial Day has its significance in the hearts of American patriots. We celebrate this day to commemorate the U.S. military veterans. That is to say, we celebrate it to remember and honor those who died serving in the U.S. military. You may celebrate it, too, to depict your patriotism.

For instance, you may display a Captain Rank Insignia on your uniform as a youth. Or wear an eco-friendly and sustainable t-shirt in style with jeans with a patriot hat. Check out our blog on how to style your t-shirt to know how to style your tees.

Or come up with design ideas for custom t-shirts for Memorial Day. Then,  make a strong statement on Memorial Day as an All-American person.

5 Interesting and Important Facts about Veterans Day

Here are the 5 interesting and important facts about Veterans Day:

• Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe, as it honors all veterans, not just 1 or multiple veterans. But some people mistakenly think it’s Veteran’s Day or Veteran's Day.
• It’s not the same as Memorial Day, as the purpose of these two patriotic holidays differs.
• Originally, Veterans Day was known as Armistice Day, to commemorate the end of World War I. Not to mention we have talked about that already.
• The Uniform Holiday Bill that Congress passed in 1968 assigned the fourth Monday of October as Veterans Day. However, many states were unhappy with this decision, which made it return to its original date. That is November 11th.
• Other countries celebrate Veterans Day in their own ways but the name and type of commemorations differ. For instance, Canada calls November 11th a Remembrance Day with its many citizens wearing red poppy flowers.

5 Interesting and Important Facts about Memorial Day

Here are the 5 interesting and important facts about Memorial Day:

• The first to celebrate Memorial Day were African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, where the Civil War began.
• Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, which was established as a federal holiday officially in 1968. We have already mentioned that in this post, too.
• Americans observed Memorial Day every May 30th of the year from 1868 to 1970.
• Memorial Day is not the same as Veterans Day, and you perhaps know it already: Why?
• It is a somber occasion that reminds us of the cost of war and one human life at a time.

Thus far, you might have enjoyed knowing the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Next, we shall share our 10 outfit ideas to honor our heroes on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

10 Veterans Day Outfit Ideas to Honor Our Heroes

Before we share our outfit ideas, we recommend you wear clothes in the right color. Wear clothes in the official national colors of America. That is to say, wear red, blue, and white clothes. It will allow you to best honor our heroes. Without further ado, let us share with you our 10 outfit ideas for Veterans Day:

Heavy Blend Customized Hoodie with Jeans

Hoodies are stylish clothing articles that are a wardrobe must-have. In fact, you can use them to honor your heroes on Veterans Day. So how should you wear a hoodie for Veterans Day? Let us advise you regarding the same next.

Purchase a heavy blend hoodie; that is to say, a heavy blend blank hoodie. Then, customize it with a design showing your respect towards veterans. For instance, you can have the clothing articles customized with a print having soldiers saluting the nation. Then, pair the items with matching bottoms, such as jeans.

Also, explore our post on buying hoodies for customization to purchase the right hoodies to customize for Veterans Day.

Heavy Blend Short Sleeve Tees with Camouflage Bottoms

Another excellent outfit idea for Veterans Day is pairing a short sleeve tee with shorts. But make sure the t-shirt you wear has a design reflecting Veterans Day. Pair your Veterans Day-friendly white t-shirt with camouflage shorts to honor your heroes.

Moreover, you can have your kid pair a Veterans Day-friendly white t-shirt with camouflage pants. One good option for camo pants is Kids Digital Camo BDU pants.

Pullover Hoodie with a Flag Patch with Sweatpants

Another way to honor your heroes this Veterans Day is with a flag patch. For this purpose, you can wear a red pullover hoodie with the US flag patch with black sweatpants.

Customized Crop Tee with a Flag Patch with Jeans

Women who love their physique can wear a customized crop tee on Veterans Day. As an example, they can pair a customized white crop tee honoring veterans with blue jeans.

Flowy Muscle Tank with a Flag Pin and Perfect Bottoms

Another excellent outfit idea, more exactly an outfit idea for workout loving women for Veterans Day is this. Women can pair a flowy muscle tank top with a flag pin and black bottoms (pants) to honor their heroes.

Also, check out this post on a perfect racerback tank for ladies.

Men’s Muscle Tank with a Flag Pin and Shorts

As a workout-loving man, you can pair a blue muscle tank top with black shorts for Veterans Day. Also, put on a flag pin on your muscle tank on the left side, honoring your American heroes.

Lightweight Zip-up Windbreaker with Sweatpants

You can layer a lightweight zip-up blue windbreaker with a white t-shirt as your inner top. However, you should embroider the shoulders of your jacket with the US flag first. Then, you can pair your American-friendly top with black sweatpants for Veterans Day.

Besides jackets, you can embroider other clothes for Veterans Day, too, such as sweatshirts. So, do not forget to explore our blog post on how to embroider a sweatshirt.

¾ Sleeve Customized Raglan Tee with Pants/Jeans

A ¾ sleeve raglan tee can work as an excellent outfit for you, too, on Veterans Day. How? You can pair a customized raglan tee with the message, “Honoring our Veterans,” with perfect bottoms. The bottoms that can work for you with this top are pants or jeans, preferably in black or blue. Not to mention, screen printing is an excellent option to customize your raglan t-shirt for Veterans Day.

Customized Toddler’s Short Sleeve Tee with Shorts

You can have your little one honor your American heroes on Veterans Day, too. For that purpose, you can customize a white toddler tee with a cartoon illustration of a soldier. Further, you can have your toddler wear that t-shirt with blue shorts for Veterans Day.

Youth Pullover Fleece Hoodie with Jeans

As a youth, you can pair a pullover fleece hoodie in white with preferably blue jeans. Then, add an American flag patch or pin to honor veterans on Veterans Day. Moreover, you can use the same outfits as above for Memorial Day. However, opt for lightweight clothes for Memorial Day, as it falls just before the summer begins in the US.

To Wrap Up

The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is why Americans observe these days. The former honors the U.S. Armed Forces. The latter honors men and women who died serving in the U.S. military. Armistice Day is the former name of Veterans Day, and Decoration Day is the original name of Memorial Day. Lastly, you can honor your heroes on these two days wearing Veterans Day clothes.

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What Do People Wear on Veterans Day? What Colors Do Veterans Wear? Is There a Symbol for Veterans Day? What is Memorial Day? Should You Say Happy Veterans Day?