By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day, and it started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. While serving as the unofficial start of summer, it is mainly a time set aside to honor those who died in military service to their country.

The purpose of Memorial Day and Veterans Day - marked each year in November - are very different.

Here’s the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day:

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time set aside for remembering and honoring military personnel that died in the service of their country,

particularly those killed in battle. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died

in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

Memorial Day has several unique traditions. On December 2000, Congress passed a law establishing a “The National

Moment of Remembrance. The day encourages Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. for a moment of reflection.

Memorial Day has a special flag tradition as well. On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half staff from sunrise until

noon, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.

For sometime, though, Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold
picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this 'rule' and many are wearing white clothing through-

out the year. Memorial Day is a federal holiday. Many government offices are closed, including schools, businesses ( banks, post

offices, etc.), and other organizations. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or

visit family and friends. **This year, over 2 years after COVID-19 started and disrupted our lives, I think many people, now that

they are vaccinated, will be going camping or taking short vacations to visit their families and friends.

Memorial Day is 'celebrated' on the last Monday of May which makes a three-day weekend for folks. This year, it falls on May 30.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is on Nov. 11, a tradition that marks the end of World War I. The day was later expanded to include veterans of

all wars, both living and dead.

Veterans Day honors all those who served in the U.S. military, whether in war or peacetime.

Vocabulary from the activity / story you just finished.

1) active duty - in the military now

2) non-combatant - to NOT fight in wars

3) bear arms - to carry a gun

4) veterans - people who were in the military before. They have finished their service.