Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day are often confused, but saying the wrong thing to a service member and former service members on one of these holidays can come across as rude and disrespectful. Dr. Harry McCleary is a licensed clinical psychologist and Navy Veteran. His channel is dedicated to educating Veterans, active duty service members and their families about mental health.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a holiday to celebrate those individuals that have served in the U.S. military at some time in their life.
CAN YOU SAY “Happy Veterans Day or thank for your service?” YES YOU CAN!!!
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is a holiday to celebrate those individuals currently in uniform.
CAN YOU SAY “Happy Armed Forces Day or thank for your service? YES YOU CAN!!!
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day of mourning and a day to honor those individuals that have made the ultimate sacrifice, dying while serving in the military.
CAN YOU SAY “Happy Memorial Day?” NO, THIS IS NOT APPROPRIATE AND CAN BE VIEWED AS OFFENSIVE.
CAN YOU SAY “Thank you for your service?” YES, BUT THIS IS PHRASE DOES NOT SPEAK TO THE MEANING OF THE HOLIDAY
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and SUPPORT
