Understanding Memorial Day and Veterans Day: A Veteran’s Perspective
As a veteran, the conflation of Memorial Day and Veterans Day often comes up, leading to some frustration among those who serve. While it's understandable, the lack of distinction between these two important holidays can indeed be a point of annoyance. However, as a veteran myself, I've learned to appreciate the genuine intentions behind such actions, even if they are not always accompanied by the correct context.
The Distinction Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring those who have died while serving in the United States military. This includes fallen service members from all wars and conflicts. On this day, communities across the country gather to lay wreaths, visit cemeteries, and reflect on the sacrifice of fallen heroes. The core of Memorial Day is to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Veterans Day, on the other hand, is observed every October 11th (since 2021) in the United States, and it honors all those who have served in the U.S. military, both living and dead. While Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the service of all veterans, it is also a day to acknowledge and support the ongoing efforts of active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families. Some veterans like myself prefer a solemn remembrance on Memorial Day rather than the commercialization often associated with Veterans Day.
Commercialization of Memorial Day
The shift in how Memorial Day is perceived is not without controversy. In recent years, Memorial Day has become more about sales and deals than remembrance. Stores offer discounts on mattresses, cars, and other goods, leading to a disconnect between the holiday's true meaning and its actual celebration. This trend has irked many veterans who see it as a betrayal of the spirit of Memorial Day.
As a military veteran, I have mixed feelings about this. While I appreciate the discounts and convenience they offer, I am still glad that our nation shows more respect to our veterans every year. Despite the commercialization, it is encouraging to see that the government and many businesses still honor the holiday in a meaningful way.
The Indifference of the General Public
Some veterans might feel that the general public lacks the understanding of the distinctions between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The U.S. military is responsible for going to war, but the civilians go about their daily lives without much concern for the sacrifices made by service members. This gap in awareness is often highlighted by the way Memorial Day is marketed and sold as a shopping opportunity.
Leadership and corporations, in their pursuit of profit, have co-opted Memorial Day, turning it into a day to boost sales. The very powers that be of our nation often do not fully grasp the true intent behind the holiday. This disconnect can lead to a superficial understanding of Memorial Day and a lack of appreciation for its true meaning.
A Nonchalant Response from Veterans
Many veterans, like me, do not get overly upset about the confusion or the commercialization of Memorial Day. We recognize that it is still a day set aside to honor those who have made significant sacrifices. If other people do not understand or respect the differences, that is their prerogative. However, there is a significant difference between not understanding and actively working against the spirit of the holiday.
While I feel annoyed at times, I believe that being too nitpicky about the method of honoring veterans goes against the spirit of the holiday. Veterans honor the sacrifice of their fellow service members, and any effort to do so, even if it is misguided, is still an act of respect.
Some veterans, however, do feel the pinch of disrespect when Memorial Day is marketed as a shopping day. This can be a stark reminder of the disconnect between the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the everyday lives of those who benefit from their service.
The ultimate message is that while it's important to maintain the correct historical and cultural distinctions between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the efforts to honor service members, no matter the method, are still significant. Veterans should also be called upon to acknowledge these actions for the intentions they represent.