Today is Memorial Day. It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who died in service to the United States. It’s easy to forget what Memorial Day actually means while you’re sitting by the pool, checking for the latest sales at the mall and online, or looking ahead to summer vacation. 

From 1868 to 1970, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30. The implementation of the Uniform Holiday Act, designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day – Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. It is also not to be confused with Armed Forces Day, a U.S. remembrance celebrated earlier in May, which specifically honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.