Although Veterans Day and Memorial Day both honor military personnel, there are differences between the two holidays.

Memorial Day honors military personnel who died while in service, especially those who died in battle or from injuries sustained in battle, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the military.

"In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all who serve -- not only those who died -- have sacrificed and done their duty," said the VA site.

The American flag plays a big role in Memorial Day, when it represents everything that soldiers have fought for. The flag is at half staff until noon. After that, it should be at full staff. American flags are placed on every single grave at military cemeteries, and 3 p.m. is the traditional time to visit cemeteries.

Memorial Day started after the Civil War. There was a day of remembrance in 1868.

Maj. Gen. John A. Logan said the holiday should be observed on May 30, which is believed to have be chosen because flowers would have bloomed all over the country by that time, notes the VA site.

Where Memorial Day first began has been disputed, but in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson named Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of the holiday.

Memorial Day didn't get declared a legal holiday by Congress until 1971. In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared it a National Moment of Remembrance for Memorial Day, said CDN.

"This memorial observance represents a simple and unifying way to commemorate our history and honor the struggle to protect our freedoms," said a White House memo. "Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values."

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