Memorial Day: A United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed this year on 28/MAY/2007). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, Memorial Day was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.
Veterans Day: an American holiday honoring military Veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. On 01/June1954 Armistice Day was officially changed to to Veterans Day to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to US national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
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