Memorial Day is a US federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May that honours the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is one of the nation's most solemn civic observances, marked by ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials, the display of the American flag and a presidential proclamation. The most significant ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Memorial Day has its origins in the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities in both the North and South began holding ceremonies to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers — a practice that gave rise to the holiday's original name, Decoration Day. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 by General John A. Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and originally observed on May 30. Congress moved it to the last Monday of May in 1971 to create a consistent three-day weekend.
In practice, Memorial Day weekend is also the unofficial start of summer in the United States — a long weekend of barbecues, beach trips, outdoor events and retail sales. Americans travel in enormous numbers: Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with an estimated 38 million Americans making trips of 50 miles or more. Major US retailers use the long weekend to launch summer sales events, and auto dealers have historically offered some of the year's best new car deals on Memorial Day weekend.
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25, 2026.
When is Memorial Day 2027?
Memorial Day 2027 falls on Monday, May 31, 2027.
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a US federal holiday that honours military personnel who died while serving in the US armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day (last Monday of May) honours military personnel who died in service. Veterans Day (November 11) honours all US military veterans — both living and deceased — for their service.
Is Memorial Day a public holiday?
Yes. Memorial Day is a federal public holiday in the United States. Government offices, banks, schools and many businesses are closed.
What is the National Moment of Remembrance?
Since 2000, Congress has asked all Americans to pause for one minute of silence at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day to honour fallen service members.
What happens at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day?
The President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia — the most significant Memorial Day ceremony in the country.
Are stores open on Memorial Day?
Most major retailers and supermarkets are open on Memorial Day, often running major sales promotions. However, government offices, banks, post offices and schools are closed.
What is the Memorial Day weekend sale?
Memorial Day weekend is a major US retail sales event, particularly for mattresses, appliances, furniture, outdoor goods and new cars. Many retailers offer some of the year's best discounts over the three-day weekend.