Memorial Day
A quick note on the difference:
Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, while Veterans Day, observed in November, honors all who have served, both living and deceased. It’s a distinction that often gets blurred, but it’s one worth remembering.
A little history:
Memorial Day began after the Civil War and was originally known as Decoration Day, when families would lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. Today, it’s a national holiday observed on the last Monday of May.
Etiquette reminders to keep in mind:
If you’re flying the American flag, tradition says to raise it to half-staff until noon, then to full-staff for the remainder of the day. Half-staff means the flag is raised only halfway up the flagpole—this position is a mark of mourning and respect. Raising it to full-staff at noon symbolizes the nation’s resolve to carry on in the face of loss.
At 3:00 p.m. local time, pause for the National Moment of Remembrance. Just one minute of silence can be a powerful and unifying gesture.
It’s not a “Happy Memorial Day.” A more thoughtful message might be, “Thinking of those who served and sacrificed,” “Honoring our fallen heroes today,” or “Thank you for your service.”
If you’re attending or hosting a gathering, a short toast or moment of silence before the meal is a gracious way to acknowledge the day.
Even a quiet moment of reflection, on your own or with loved ones, honors the spirit of the day more than we often realize.