US Patriotic Holidays
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
It is never appropriate to say Happy Memorial Day. Instead think of alternatives, like
Flag Day
June 14th is Flag Day, commemorating the official adoption of the US flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. It celebrates the history and symbolic meaning of the American flag. It is also an opportunity to remember those who fight to protect it and the nation for which it stands. Although it has been celebrated since the Civil War, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that it would be celebrated on June 14th in 1916. However, it is not officially a federal holiday, and only Pennsylvania has adopted it as a state holiday.
As the VFW Auxiliary is a patriotic organization, we should fly our US flags proudly on this day, at home, at work, etc.
4th of July
Independence Day, also called Fourth of July or July 4th, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
On the 4th of July all greetings are appropriate as we celebrate our Independence Day.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day has its origins at the end of World War I when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the fighting ended with the signing of an armistice. U.S. Soldiers celebrate the armistice that ended World War I, Nov. 11, 1918.
As opposed to Memorial Day, Veterans Day isn't a solemn occasion. Because of this, saying "Happy Veterans Day” to a veteran can be used in the same way a greeting like "Merry Christmas” or "Happy Thanksgiving” is used.
There are several other patriotic Holidays during the year, you can visit https://www.archives.gov/boston/patriotic-holidays.html to see them listed with dates, history and comments about those holidays.
VFWA Department of Oregon Patriotic Instructor
Darlene Wisdom, 2022 - 2023