Difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the military. Veterans Day, observed every November 11, recognizes all who have served in the Armed Forces.

On Memorial Day you can honor the fallen by attending memorial services within your community or laying flowers and planting flags on graves at your local Veterans cemetery or the cemetery where a loved one rests. Veterans Day is an opportunity to do the same.

Memorial Day ~ “National Mourning” Monday, May 31st

Remember. Honor. Never forget.

Today, every day to Memorial Day and thereafter.

As we observe Memorial Day with Loved Ones, it can be easy to overlook that Memorial Day is a day of “National Mourning” dedicated to honoring and remembering all men and women who have died during military service for the United States.

Please consider adding any of the following to your Memorial Day activities.

  • Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Memorial Day is a day of “National Mourning.”
  • Participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3:00 PM local time, to pause and think upon the meaning of the day and for taps to be played where possible.
  • Visiting a cemetery and placing flags, flowers, or both on the graves of our fallen heroes.

Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Listing

National Cemeteries

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 155 national cemeteries in 42 states and Puerto Rico as well as 34 soldier’s lots and monument sites.

Please note that there is not a VA national cemetery in every state.