Less than half of Americans know the true meaning behind Memorial Day, according to a survey.
The survey of 2,000 Americans last year revealed just 43% were aware it’s a holiday honoring those who died in service while in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Twenty-eight percent mistakenly believed Memorial Day was a holiday honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces — which is actually Veterans Day.
It was revealed to be a common mistake: A third of respondents (36%) admitted to being unsure of the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of University of Phoenix, the survey tested Americans on their knowledge of the upcoming holiday, which, this year, falls on Monday, May 27.
That’s news to some respondents: The survey found less than half (46%) of respondents knew Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May.
When asked about the Moment of Remembrance, a moment wherein Americans are asked to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in U.S. military service, half of those polled hadn’t heard of it.
“For many Americans, Memorial Day is a much-needed day off to relax and enjoy their family. It is important to understand that it is also a solemn day of remembrance. For me, as a combat veteran, and for military members and their families, this day holds great significance. Not everyone I served with was fortunate enough to return home,” said Brian Ishmael, senior director, University of Phoenix Office of Military and Veteran Affairs and former U.S. Army sergeant.
Originally published by Talker News