Memorial Day commemorates the lives of everyone who has passed away during a military service in the United States. It falls on the last Monday of May.
Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated
- Monday, May 29, 2017
- Monday, May 28, 2018
- Monday, May 27, 2019
- Monday, May 25, 2020
- Monday, May 31, 2021
- Monday, May 30, 2022
- Monday, May 29, 2023
- Monday, May 27, 2024
- Monday, May 26, 2025
Where Is Memorial Day Considered A Holiday?
Throughout the United States, Memorial Day is a federal holiday. Most government offices will be closed for observation. Many businesses will choose to close as well. Public transportation runs on a holiday schedule. Also, schools will be closed on Memorial Day. Since Memorial Day is the end of a long weekend, many choose to take a trip with the family. Because of this, there can be long delays in traffic. When you're making holiday plans, account for potential traffic.
Festivities & Events During
Memorial Day is to honor the deceased. Many choose to visit graveyards to pay tribute and visit their loved ones. Since it also marks the beginning of summer, many choose to have picnics. There are many volunteers who visit the graves and place flags over each. In Mississippi, Memorial Day is celebrated at the same time as Jefferson Davis' birthday. There are also many sporting events that take place on the weekend closest to Memorial Day. The most fitting way to celebrate is to walk through a graveyard and offer your prayers to those who fell in the line of their military services.
A Brief History Of Memorial Day
Memorial Day originally honored those who died during the Civil War. However, after World War I, it was extended. Now, it celebrates everyone who has died in military action. It was originally referred to as Decoration Day until after World War II. It was also originally held on May 30th, regardless of when in the week it would fall on. That was changed in 1971, when it became the last Monday in May.