Who do we honor on Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance specifically dedicated to honoring and memorializing the soldiers who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Established after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the conflict, the observance has since expanded to honor all military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country.

This day is distinct from Veterans Day, which celebrates all military veterans, alive or deceased, and from Armed Forces Day, which recognizes those currently serving in the military. The focus on those who died highlights the importance of their sacrifices for the nation's freedom and peace, making this the correct response.