Difference Between Labor Day and Memorial Day

Table of Contents

Labor Day and Memorial Day are two days that are celebrated by the American people to honor and remember the dedication and achievements of the workers of America and remember the sacrifices of the soldiers. But these two days are often confused with being the same as they both are two very important days and have very special importance to the people.

Labor Day vs Memorial Day

The main difference between Labor Day and Memorial Day is that the first day is celebrated and observed on September 6th, whereas the latter is observed on May 31st. Another notable difference between the two is that Labor Day informally marks the starting of the onset of the spring session, whereas Memorial Day marks the beginning of the Summertime season.

Labor Day helps in recognizing the efforts of the working-class population that are frequently neglected, overlooked, and unappreciated, notwithstanding performing a significant role in the economy of the globe. Labor Day is sometimes also referred to as May Day as it is celebrated in May. This Day has a very vital and crucial historical importance as well.

Memorial Day is recognized as a federal holiday date by the people of the United States. This day is also termed the Decoration Day since on this day, people decorate the graves of the soldiers and other people who lost their lives during the wars to honor them. This Day is celebrated in approximately more than 100 countries across the globe.

Comparison Table Between Labor Day and Memorial Day

Parameters of ComparisonLabor DayMemorial Day
Date of Celebration6th September31st May
Celebrated to RecognizeLabor Day is observed to pay recognition and tribute to the working-class community or the labor force of the nation.Memorial Day is observed to pay recognition and tribute to the people who have died during the wars or the United States military personnel.
Marks the BeginningLabor Day marks the beginning of the origin of the spring period.Memorial Day marks the beginning of the origin of the Summer season.
Historical LinkageLabor Day is historically associated with the Central Labor Movement and the American Labor Movement.Memorial Day is historically associated with World War I and the American Civil War.
Founder(s)The founders of Labor Day were Matthew Maguire and Peter J. McGuire.The founder of Memorial Day was Lyndon Johnson.

What is Labor Day?

Labor Day is celebrated by the people of the United States to pay tribute, recognize as well as protest the unrecognized struggles of the working group in the socio-economic class. For the American Unionist, this day has very special importance. This significant day helps in symbolizing the characteristics of group awareness and universal and social composure and peace.

Labor Day aims to celebrate the evolution and development of a Central Labor Union or the Labor Union Movement that formed in the 19th Century. This Day is celebrated as a National Holiday. Labor Day is sometimes called Worker’s Day, as this day pays tribute to the working class of the Nation.

The number Eight has very valuable and significant meaning concerning Labor Day as this marked the day were people of the working class demanded and stood up for their rights that were getting exploited as they were made to work for more than 12 to 20 hours where the people wanted the hours to be 8 hours.

This day has so much importance as it shows respect and honors the hard struggle of the people. And the celebration of this day each year gives the people a gentle reminder, reminding them how far they have come.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day pays honor and recognition to the unnamed efforts, outspoken abnegation, and unparalleled valor of the U.S army and soldiers who accomplished wins resulting in getting freedom, harmony, peace, and nationwide protection. The celebration of this day on an annual basis helps the people to get reminded of the sacrifices their soldiers have made to make sure the people of the nation can live freely and safely.

This day is sometimes also referred to as Decoration Day by the people of the United States as the people decorated the graves of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to ensure a safe nation for the people. The people decorate the graves in order to remember them and honor the ultimate sacrifice they have made during the war.

Waterloo is considered the Birthplace of Memorial Day or Decoration Day. People use flowers, flags, wreaths, candles, and photographs to decorate graves and coffins.

Memorial Day is considered and treated as a federal holiday only in the United States. The founder of Memorial Day was The ex- American President Lyndon Johnson.

This day marks the commencement of the summer season time. Memorial Day is historically affiliated with World War I and the American Civil War.

Main Differences Between Labor Day and Memorial Day

  • Labor Day is celebrated on the 6th of September of every year by the American People, whereas Memorial Day is celebrated on the 31st of May of every year by the American People.
  • Labor Day is observed to pay recognition and show tribute to the working-class community or the labor force of the nation, whereas Memorial Day is observed to pay recognition and tribute to the people who have died during the wars or the United States military personnel.
  • Labor Day marks the beginning of the origin of the spring period, whereas Labor Day marks the beginning of the origin of the Summer season.
  • Labor Day is historically associated with the Central Labor Movement and the American Labor Movement, whereas Memorial Day is historically associated with World War I and the American Civil War.
  • The founders of Labor Day were Matthew Maguire and Peter J. McGuire, whereas The founder of Memorial Day was Lyndon Johnson.
  • Conclusion

    Both the days, i.e., Labor Day and Memorial Day, have equal importance for the people of the nation. Labor Day is celebrated on 6th September, whereas Memorial Day is celebrated on 31st May.

    They each have their individual meaning and importance in the hearts of the r day, and the most common and highlighted similarity amongst them is that both of these days are celebrated by the people of the United States of America. Both of these days have another special significance too. The first one signifies the informal termination of the summertime, and the latter one denotes the unofficial beginning of the summer season.

    References

  • https://www.jstor.org/stable/2079344
  • https://academic.oup.com/joc/article-abstract/59/3/456/4098523
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