What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day?

You know how sometimes people mix up Memorial Day and Veterans Day? It’s totally understandable—they both honor those who’ve served in the military, and they’re both national holidays. But they actually have pretty different meanings.

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, is specifically a day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It’s really about sacrifice—the people who gave their lives in the line of duty. Veterans Day, on the other hand, happens every year on November 11th and is meant to honor all who have served in the military—both the living and the deceased—but especially living veterans. For that reason, Memorial Day is seen by many as a bit more solemn.

Because of that difference, the way we observe Memorial Day should reflect its purpose. A lot of people think of Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer—and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the long weekend—but it’s also important to pause and reflect on what the day really means.

Visiting cemeteries or war memorials is one powerful way to honor those who’ve fallen. Many people place flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers, especially at national cemeteries. Here in Butte you will find many local heroes who sacrificed all in the line of duty at their final resting place at Mountain View Cemetary which also has a beautiful memorial.

Another way is to participate in or simply observe the National Moment of Remembrance, which happens at 3:00 p.m. local time. It’s just a minute of silence to remember and honor those who died in service. It may seem small, but it’s meaningful.

If you're staying in, watching a documentary or reading a story about someone who lost their life in service can also be a way to connect more personally to the meaning of the day.

At the heart of it, Memorial Day is about gratitude—quiet, deep gratitude for those who didn’t come home. However you choose to spend the day, even just taking a moment to remember why we have the freedom to relax and gather with loved ones makes a big difference.