Don’t blur distinctions between Memorial Day, Veterans Day

Regardless of the heights of many Americans’ patriotism IQ, a goodly percentage of us continues to confuse the history, meaning and intent of Memorial Day with the history, meaning and intent of Veterans Day.

As we mark the 142nd Memorial Day in American history today, it is important that we do not blur the fundamental distinctions.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the lead player in both holidays, Memorial Day is designed as a holiday for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

Its roots lie in the aftermath of the Civil War. In 1868, Union Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30 because flowers to adorn veterans’ grave plots would be in bloom then throughout the nation.

Although those who died in battle are also remembered on Veterans Day and all veterans deserve honor and thanks every day, Veterans Day is the holiday specifically set aside to thank and honor all men and women who have served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime, in the battlefield or field headquarters.

In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service and to acknowledge their contributions to our national security, the VA says.

Veterans Day has its roots in the aftermath of World War I. Fighting in that war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. That is why Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 — regardless of the day of the week upon which it falls — unlike Memorial Day that is marked on the fourth Monday of every May.

HOW YOU CAN OBSERVE HOLIDAY

For many this holiday — like Veterans Day — provides a day off from work and a time to kick back and enjoy time with family and friends.

It should, however, also be a time to pay homage to the singular significance of this holiday.

We suggest any of a number of ways Americans in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys can do so:

Attend a parade, a memorial observance or graveside decoration event in communities large and small throughout the region. See page A10 of today’s Vindicator for a comprehensive listing of events.

Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. today. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time today for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

Go to a cemetery and place flowers or a flag on the grave of a veteran killed in battle.

Fly the U.S. flag at your residence, but remember to uphold the Memorial Day tradition of keeping it at half-staff until noon.

Wear a poppy, the universal symbol of Memorial Day. Buy one from members of Veterans of Foreign War organizations that use the proceeds to assist disabled veterans. Adorn your picnic table with a vase of live poppies.

However you choose to observe today’s holiday, keep its main intent foremost in mind: Honoring and recognizing those brave Americans who made the supreme sacrifice in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the ongoing battles in the trenches of Iraq and Afghanistan.

By doing so, we will keep memorial solidly intact within Memorial Day.