Veterans Day, unlike Memorial Day, honors all U.S. military veterans rather than only service members who died in service.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for Americans who died while serving in the armed forces. Veterans Day honors people who served, whether or not they are still living and whether or not they died during military service.
The two holidays developed from different historical traditions. Veterans Day grew from Armistice Day, which originally commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The United States renamed it Veterans Day in 1954 after World War II and the Korean War.
Armed Forces Day is also different: it recognizes people currently serving in the military. Memorial Day is observed in May, Veterans Day on November 11, and Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May.