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