This weekend, Americans pause to remember those who gavetheir lives while serving in the nation’s armed forces. Falling every year on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in all branches of the U.S. military—nearly1.2million military personnelin all conflicts since the Revolutionary War.
Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service, while Veterans Day in November honors all veterans living and dead.
After the 2022 elections, NCSL identified at least 748 military veterans serving in the legislatures of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the five U.S. territories. These veterans make up about 10% of the 7,575 state and territorial legislators nationwide.
Military and Veterans Programming at Summit
NCSL will cover military issues and veterans affairs in several sessions at the Legislative Summit in Louisville, Ky., this summer. For more information, see the full Summit agenda.
- Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force Preconference Meeting,Sunday, Aug. 4,8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Innovative Policies to Serve the Nation’s Veterans,Monday, Aug. 5, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
- How States Are Breaking Up With ‘Forever Chemicals,’Monday, Aug. 5, 4-5 p.m.
- A State-Focused National Security Briefing,Wednesday, Aug. 7, 10:45 a.m.-Noon
First celebrated as Decoration Day in the years after the Civil War, Memorial Day was designated a federal holiday in 1971. The day is observed with parades, flag displays and visits to veterans homes, cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembranceoccurs at 3 p.m. local time, while 11 a.m. is designated as a moment for prayer and reflection. A long-standing tradition on public television—one that “unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation”—is theNational Memorial Day Concert, this year featuring actors Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna and Bryan Cranston and performances by Gary LeVox of Rascal Flats and several military bands and choruses.
Other countries around the world also observe asimilar day of remembrance,including the United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, France, Turkey, Nigeria and Italy.
NCSL staff join their fellow citizens in honoring and remembering those who have died in service to the nation and recognizing the sacrifices made by the families who have lost loved ones over the years.
NCSL’sTask Force on Military and Veterans Affairsenables state legislators and legislative staff to assist military service members and veterans in their states and work with nearby military installations on key issues. Contact NCSL to participate in this effort.
Jim Reed staffs NCSL’s Task Force on Military and Veterans Affairs.
FAQs
We are forever grateful for your choice to serve—we know this service comes at a cost—and although our recognition cannot fully encapsulate the gratitude we hold for your sacrifices, we want you to know they will never be forgotten. Today and every day, we honor our fallen heroes, and we honor you.
Does Memorial Day only honor those who died in service? ›
Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service, while Veterans Day in November honors all veterans living and dead. After the 2022 elections, NCSL identified at least 748 military veterans serving in the legislatures of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the five U.S. territories.
What not to say to a veteran on Memorial Day? ›
Most people say “Happy Memorial Day” or they will take to social media to thank veterans for their service. But many veterans say this makes them uncomfortable because it's not about them. For some, the freedom to celebrate holidays is why they risked their lives.
What is a day for remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the military? ›
Each year on the last Monday in May, the Defense Department joins the nation in honoring service members who lost their lives in defense of the nation, and mourns with their families.
Is it okay to thank a veteran for their service on Memorial Day? ›
It is essential to understand the distinction between these two observances to ensure our gratitude is appropriately directed. It is not customary to say “thank you” to veterans on Memorial Day, but there are meaningful ways to honor the sacrifices made.
What to say to a veteran on Remembrance Day? ›
To all veterans, living and deceased, thank you for your service and sacrifices so that we can live in a free country. I am profoundly grateful for and respectful of all you have done for us and your nation. Thank you for your great personal sacrifice that enabled our nation to be free. Thank you.
How do you honor the dead on Memorial Day? ›
Memorial Day is a day of "National Mourning." By attending religious services of your choice. By visiting memorials. By participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3:00 PM local time, to pause and think upon the meaning of the day and for taps to be played where possible.
What is a good quote for Memorial Day? ›
Top 10 Best Memorial Day Quotes:
The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy." Floats free the banner of the cause they died to save." "The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly."
Why is 3 PM important on Memorial Day? ›
The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute). The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.
Can you honor dead veterans on Memorial Day? ›
On Memorial Day you can honor the fallen by attending memorial services within your community or laying flowers and planting flags on graves at your local Veterans cemetery. Veterans Day is an opportunity to do the same, but it is also an appropriate time to show your appreciation to Veteran friends and family.
The last call is a ceremonial bugle call played at military funerals. It is often described as a way to announce to the fallen service member that the duties of their watch are over, and they can rest peacefully. The last call bugle call is a solitary trumpet playing “Taps”.
How long do you have to be in the military to get a military funeral? ›
Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
How do you wish a soldier happy Memorial Day? ›
Here are some heartfelt wishes: "Wishing you a peaceful and reflective Memorial Day as we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country." "On this Memorial Day, may we never forget the courageous individuals who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Thank you for your service."
Should you say Happy Memorial Day to a veteran? ›
“Happy Memorial Day” is NEVER appropriate. Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those who gave that last measure of devotion to our nation.
What do you say at a Memorial Day service? ›
Grateful for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Today, we remember and honor their selfless service. Remembering every hero who selflessly shed their patriot's blood for our freedom. May their sacrifices be a constant reminder of the cost of liberty.
What do you say at a veterans memorial service? ›
I/We are thinking of you. I/we wish there were words to comfort you. I/We are saddened by your loss. Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your Soldier.
