By FPL_John
On May 30, most businesses will be shut down and many people will get a long weekend. This can be a great time to see family and friends, as well as to relax a bit as we move into Summer. However, that day off is also a chance to remember and honor those who have given their life in the service of our country. The U.S. has more than one holiday to honor the service of our military members and it can be confusing to understand what they are each for.
- Memorial Day honors service members who have died in military service to the nation.
- Veterans Day honors those who have served in the military in the past and are now discharged.
- Armed Forces Day honors those who are currently serving in the military.
- In addition, Texas and some other states recognize Women Veterans Day to honor the service of female service members.
The USO has a great explanation of the differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day here:
Understanding the Difference Between Memorial Day vs Veterans Day, opens a new window
One way to honor Memorial Day is to share a solemn moment of silence at 3:00pm on that day. This particular time was chosen because it’s “a time of day when most Americans are likely making the most of the freedoms we enjoy”.
Another one is to read a book on U.S. Military History to better understand the sacrifices that have been made to protect our freedoms.
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