National Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and mourns military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Last Monday in May
- Tagged as: Day of Remembrance
- What’s the hashtag?: #MemorialDay
- When was it founded?: May 30, 1868
- Who founded it?: General John A. Logan
History of Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, this observance began after the Civil War to commemorate fallen Union soldiers. The tradition started with communities decorating graves with flowers and flags. The name gradually changed to Memorial Day after World War I, when the holiday expanded to honor all military personnel who died in American wars.
Timeline
- 1865: First recorded observance in Charleston, South Carolina
- 1868: First national commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery
- 1873: New York becomes first state to designate it as legal holiday
- 1971: Declared a federal holiday and moved to last Monday in May
- 2000: National Moment of Remembrance established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May | 27 | Monday |
| 2025 | May | 26 | Monday |
| 2026 | May | 25 | Monday |
| 2027 | May | 31 | Monday |
| 2028 | May | 29 | Monday |
| 2029 | May | 28 | Monday |
Observed
A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 PM local time. Traditional observances include placing American flags on graves, wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, and parades nationwide.
Fun Facts About Memorial Day
- Red poppies are worn as a symbol of remembrance
- The Indianapolis 500 is traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend
- Flags should be flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff
- Waterloo, NY, is recognized as the official birthplace
- The longest-running parade is held in Doylestown, PA
Quiz
- Q: What was Memorial Day originally called?
- Q: Which war prompted the creation of this holiday?
- Q: What time is the National Moment of Remembrance?
(Answers: Decoration Day, Civil War, 3:00 PM)
FAQs
- Why was May 30th originally chosen? For optimal flower blooming across the country
- What’s the difference from Veterans Day? Memorial Day honors deceased service members, while Veterans Day celebrates all veterans
- How should the flag be displayed? At half-staff until noon, then full-staff until sunset
Related
- Armed Forces Day
- Veterans Day
- Independence Day
- Flag Day
- Patriot Day