American flags and American pride are on full display during a number of upcoming patriotic holidays. But these holidays aren’t interchangeable. Here’s a brief description of why we celebrate each one.

Memorial Day

May 29

While it’s often treated as the unofficial beginning of summer and now a time for cookouts and parades, Memorial Day was created as a solemn holiday to honor those who died in the armed forces, specifically during the Civil War and later in all American wars. Originally called Decoration Day because it was a time to decorate graves, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971, when it was declared to be the last Monday in May. Traditionally, flags are flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day.

Flag Day

June 14

While the American flag is prominently displayed on all these days, it’s go its own holiday, too: Flag Day is held June 14. On that date in 1777 the Continental Congress voted to adopt the American flag with 13 red and white stripes and 13 white stars on a blue field. (And, despite what you may have learned in school, Betsy Ross had nothing to do with it.) Flag Day didn’t become an official holiday until 1916. Then, as now, it’s largely a holiday meant to remind people to fly the flag.

Independence Day

July 4

Even your kids undoubtedly know all about this one: On July 4 we barbecue, play baseball, and set off fireworks to mark America’s birthday. We celebrate on this day because the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. What you probably don’t know is that a resolution of independence was actually passed on July 2 – so you can go ahead and celebrate the Second of July, too!

Veterans Day

November 11

By contrast to Memorial Day, which honors those who died in wartime, Veterans Day is set aside to honor all American men and women who served in uniform. It was originally called Armistice Day because it was held to commemorate the end of fighting in World War I, which fell on Nov. 11, 1918). In 1954, to help honor the millions who served in World War II and the Korean War, the name of the holiday officially became Veterans Day.