Both well respected in the United States, Veterans and Armed Forces day often get mixed up due to their military backgrounds. 

Veterans day was originally called Armistice day when it was created on November 11, 1919 to mark the anniversary of WWI, but it later became a national holiday in 1938 to honor all who served past or present. Though after WWII and the Korean War the name was changed to the more recognizable Veterans day. It was changed due to the advocacy of WWII Veteran Raymond Weeks who wanted to honor all veterans. 

Armed Forces day would come later on August 31, 1949 created by the secretary of defense at the time Louis Johnson who would use it to replace separate days that recognized different branches like the Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force days. The day would come from the armed forces unification under one department of defense by then President Harry S. Truman, after he signed the National Security Act into Law on July 26, 1947. Now Armed Forces Day is used to honor those who are actively serving across all branches of the military. 

Veterans and Armed Forces day differences encapsulate celebrating those who are actively serving, on Armed Forces Day and those who have already served whether living or deceased on Veterans Day. Armed Forces Day is usually celebrated with parades, flags, volunteering, donations, etc; on the third Sunday of May. Whereas, Verteran’s Day is more formal and often to honor those who have passed on. 

Hopefully understanding all military holidays will help Veterans and those actively serving to receive more care from their community.