Speaking Volumes

What's the difference?

Saturday I attended my nephew's wedding and during the best man's (my other nephew)  toast to the groom, Memorial Day was mentioned. Later I asked my grandchildren if they knew the significance of Memorial Day. As we talked there seemed to be some confusion on their part and others as to the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Really, it might not make that much difference as what could be wrong with honoring any of our military men and women, those serving, those who have served and those who died serving our country. Still, I thought it might be important for my grandchildren to know the origins of each day and to understand their meaning so I did some research.

From the US Department of Veteran Affairs comes this explanation of the two celebratory days:

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. 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 those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

Today I remember and honor my Uncle, Albert J. Ponte, who served in World War II with the 101st Airborne in France and who was killed in action on December 20, 1944.

My grandmother, Maria Ponte, Uncle Albert Ponte & Grandfather Gaspero Ponte

You can search or add your loved one to The World War II Registry located at http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=registry.asp&subpage=intro

It includes the names of American military men and women whose service and sacrifice helped win the Second World War.

Take a moment out of this day off from work to remember all the veterans who died in service to our great country.