Memorial Day Information

2. 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.

3. 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.
M
EMORIAL DAY
VETERANS DAY
&

4. 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.

5. ◊ 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.

6. 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

7. ◊ 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

8. 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.
HOW
TO
HONOR AVETE
RAN

9. ◊ Fly the American flag
◊ Organize or attend a parade
◊ Merchants can offer military discounts
HOW TO HONOR A VETERAN

10. ◊ 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

11. ◊ 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. PR
ESERVING HISTO
R
Y
The best way to honor our military heroes is to preserve their
history and recognize their accomplishments.

15. Become Informed
To 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

16. 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

17. 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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