This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 31, 2021. This day is very sacred and we should all take the time to remember those that have given their lives as a sacrifice for this country. Even this old Veteran learns a little about service and how to better honor those who came before me.

When is Memorial Day?

This holiday is not on a set date every year. This U.S. federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the military. In 2021, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 31. 

What is Memorial Day and how is it different from Veteran’s Day?

Both holidays are there to honor those that have served. You may have noticed that Veterans are a little uncomfortable with being talked for their service on Memorial Day. Although it is customary to gather and honor veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history during these holidays, there is a difference between the holidays:

• Memorial Day is a day marked for the living to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice by dying while in the military service of their country. It focuses but is not completely isolated from those who died in combat as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
   
• Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who served in the military. It is not tied to combat service and applies to both those who have died or survived their service.  Veterans Day always occurs on November 11.

Today on Memorial Day, I ask you to think about those you know that have served and died. This day has a special meaning to me because I, as a physician, have treated many of those that have survived and died from combat wounds. There is nothing as touching to a tender heart like the sound of Taps being played or the flag-draped coffins being loaded on a plane or vehicle.

If you have the time, go to a Veteran’s Cemetery and put flowers or a flag on the graves. Nothing creates more tears as a child adding a flag to a Solider’s grave.

Thank you again for taking the time to think about those that have sacrificed so much for this country and the world.