What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Memorial Day for most marks a welcomed three-day weekend – the kickoff to summer adventures. But this weekend as we gather with friends and family, let us remember the true meaning of Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day.) The last Monday in May is set aside to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
There is an important distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day that can often cause confusion. Memorial Day is intended to honor those who lost their lives in service while Veterans Day is a time to thank veterans for their service. While honoring is an important part of both of these days, Memorial Day is not a day to thank veterans for their service. For some veterans, doing so can cause unrest as they may be suffering from survivor’s guilt, which is a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress experienced by someone who has survived an incident in which others died.
Consider instead addressing veterans by simply placing a gentle hand on their shoulder or giving a nod in their direction and acknowledge that you are thinking of them on this day. Doing so will help convey that you hold a deeper understanding of the meaning of Memorial Day.
On this and every Memorial Day, we invite you to join fellow Americans at 3pm EST in a moment of silence to honor and remember all who paid the ultimate sacrifice.