Memorial Day

American holidays · military · remembrance · history

A day to remember. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May each year. It's when Americans pause to honor military service members who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Always the same time. You can count on Memorial Day happening on the last Monday of May every single year. This means it falls on different dates, but it's always in that final week of the month.

Honoring sacrifice. Families and communities gather at cemeteries, parades, and memorials to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. People often place flowers on graves and share stories about the service members they knew.

Federal day off. Because Memorial Day is a federal holiday, many government offices, banks, and schools are closed. It gives people time to spend with family and reflect on the meaning of the day.

Different from Veterans Day. Memorial Day honors those who died in service, while Veterans Day (November 11) celebrates all people who served in the military, whether they are still living or have passed away.