Americans.

We’re infamous for our plethora of patriotic holidays. We love our military with more enthusiasm than most, and support them whenever we can.

I’ve been asked by a lot of people, why Americans love their military so doggone much. What makes us that way? Isn’t it sufficient to say thanks every once in a while, and move on with life? Do you really have to have a million holidays a year dedicated to them?

First of all, it’s not a million. I mean, come on. That’s a bit of an exaggeration. 😉

But I won’t deny we adore our military with everything inside us.

I sat down and added up just how many patriotic holidays we have…and we do have a lot.

Independence Day.

Memorial Day.

Veterans Day.

Armed Forces Day.

Constitution Day.

Flag Day.

Pearl Harbor Day.

Patriot Day.

Columbus Day.

That’s a whole lot of patriotic days right there. Many people actually mix up the meanings of some of them.

You see, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Armed Forces Day all have a very unique focus. Yet, somehow, they are often times thought of to have the same purpose.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the end of WWI. It originated as a day to celebrate the return of America’s troops from Europe after the “War that would end all wars”.

Parades were held, bands played patriotic music, and most of all, Americans jumped at the opportunity to thank our war veterans returning from overseas. It felt good to finally see them on home soil once again.

They were heroes. They were responsible for bringing an end to the bloody fighting that had engulfed much of the world. How could we do anything but thank them for their service?

By the end of the second World War, America was ready to officially designate November 11th to be a nation wide day of gratitude to all those who have served our country.

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day came into being as an alternative to having separate days set aside to thank each of the individual branches of service.

It is a special day to thank all those who are currently serving in the Armed forces of the United States of America.

Memorial Day

As you already know from yesterday’s guest post, Memorial Day has been set apart to honor those who fell in service to America since the days following the War Between the States. It has never been for anything else but to honor those who died in our nation’s service.

This is where people get confused. Many confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day.

Don’t get me wrong, we love to honor and thank our Veterans. But Memorial Day is specifically for those who died in service. It is for those brave ones who died for our freedom.

Veterans Day is to honor and remember those who have served in the past. Armed Forces Day for those who are currently serving. And Memorial Day for those who gave their last breaths so that we could live in peace and liberty today.

It’s important to know the differences. As we move forward with the week, remember that this is in honor of our combat fallen.

A. M. Watson

Hebrews 13:8