Why is there no school on Memorial Day?

Both Memorial and Veterans’ Day are holidays meant for to honor current or former members of the military, but why are there two different days to commemorate them.

Both Memorial and Veterans’ Day are federal holidays, meaning that all non- essential government offices, schools, and some businesses and organizations are closed. This also means that the U.S postal service is closed, but not UPS or FedEx.

Memorial Day
Memorial Day is also known as Decoration Day. This holiday is meant for honoring and mourning the U.S military workforce who have died while serving the county.

Decoration day originated after the Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865. Form 1865 till 1970, this holiday always took place May 30th, but then it was changed to the last Monday in May. Memorial Day became a national holiday in 1971 through an act of Congress.

Many celebrate this holiday by visiting cementaries or memorials, gathering with their families, or spending it with friends. This weekend is also the weekend that marks the beginning of summer, so many start to travel, host parties, or barbecue.

“This weekend I spent time with my friends, went to the beach, and hung out by the pool to get a tan. This weekend felt like summer, and I can’t wait for summer to start,” said sophomore Andrea Maduro.

Veterans’ Day

Veterans’ Day honors everyone who has and is currently serving the country. On this day, people honor the service of U.S. as well as European military personnel and veterans for protecting and serving their country.

This holiday emerged after World War I ended which occured with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles June 28, 1919. This signifies the end of the conflict between the Allied forces and Germany. The exact time of when the conflict ended was at 11 am, November 11, 1918, hence the saying, “at the 11th hour.”

Congress formally established the holiday in 1978.

Veterans’ Day often features parades and events to thank veterans for their service. At school, some teachers ask  students to write thank-you notes to those currently serving, or who have served in the military.

“I see Memorial Day as honoring those who have served our country and Veterans’ Day as a way to thank them for their service and for protecting us and our country,” said junior Martina Tonkin.

Memorial and Veterans’ Day are both important holidays to celebrate and thank military personnel and veterans, living or dead, for their sacrifice. 

Thanks to all of those who work to protect the United States.