On November 11 we honor those who have served or are serving in the military. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. This day is called Veterans Day. Now I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t that Memorial Day? I know how the two are easily confused because they both honor the military, but they couldn’t be more different.

• Memorial Day is to celebrate those who DIED in the war, either in battle, or by wounds.
• Veterans Day is celebrating ALL of the current serving military.

Knowing that, I bet you’re wondering why we have the two in the first place. Well it’s simple. Hundreds of men had died and their families came to mourn them at their graves. Hence, Memorial Day was born. Veterans Day was created on November 11, 1919 as the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress had passed both dates for annual observance in the 1900’s. Now we celebrate the two annually. I spoke to Lewis Emis, who used to be apart of the Navy, who was able to tell his experiences of being apart of a team and what he enjoyed most about it. When asked about he enjoyed most about the military Emis said, “The camaraderie with my other service members.” Along with what he obtained in given awards and how he got them he said, “Joint Commendation award for the NASA intelligence work, I did for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Along with Lewis there are also multiple students who may have a family member as a veteran. Most were their grandparents who had served in different countries. Today they are still living amongst the people in the United States.

Every 11th of November, we are able to honor those people and give them our gratitude. Otherwise, our country wouldn’t be like it is today. While both are very important holidays they should be correctly recognized for their individual purpose.