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Memorial Day 2024 in the United States

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

Is Memorial Day a Public Holiday?

This is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day.

Memorial day commemorates fallen soldiers.

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What Do People Do?

It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half staff from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is combined with Jefferson Davis' Birthday in Mississippi.

Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. This day is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season for cultural events. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year.

Public Life

Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed, as are schools, businesses and other organizations. Most public transit systems do not run on their regular schedule. Many people see Memorial Day weekend as an opportunity to go on a short vacation or visit family or friends. This can cause some congestion on highways and at airports.

Background

Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that from 1971, the Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.

Memorial Day Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday TypeArea
2019MonMay 27Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2019MonMay 27Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2020MonMay 25Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2020MonMay 25Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2021MonMay 31Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2021MonMay 31Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2022MonMay 30Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2022MonMay 30Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2023MonMay 29Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2023MonMay 29Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2024MonMay 27Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2024MonMay 27Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2025MonMay 26Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2025MonMay 26Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2026MonMay 25Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2026MonMay 25Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2027MonMay 31Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2027MonMay 31Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2028MonMay 29Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2028MonMay 29Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA
2029MonMay 28Memorial DayFederal Holiday 
2029MonMay 28Decoration DayState HolidayAK, AL, AR, AZ, CA

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.