Memorial Day in the United States
Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday on the last Monday in May. It honors members of the U.S. armed forces who died in service and is marked by cemetery visits, memorial ceremonies and a national moment of remembrance.[1][4]
A day of remembrance
The observance began as Decoration Day, when communities honored Civil War dead by decorating their graves. In 1868, Grand Army of the Republic leader John A. Logan called on members to set aside May 30 for decorating the graves of Union soldiers. The first observance under his order included a gathering at Arlington Cemetery.[2][3]
After World War I, the commemoration expanded to honor Americans who died in all wars. Memorial Day now remembers people who died in U.S. military service during both peace and war. Veterans Day, by contrast, honors the service of all U.S. military veterans.[3]
Date and federal status
Federal law establishes Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. Congress changed the date from May 30 under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which took effect in 1971. The holiday therefore falls on a Monday each year; a separate substitute date is not normally needed for a Monday-through-Friday schedule.[1][3]
It is a legal federal holiday, and federal employees observe it under rules for their work schedules. For employees whose regular day off coincides with a holiday, the Office of Personnel Management sets out when an in-lieu-of holiday applies; the details depend on the employee’s schedule. Federal holiday status does not itself guarantee private-sector workers a day off or holiday pay. The Department of Labor says federal law does not require pay for time not worked on holidays.[1][5][6]
How people observe it
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place U.S. flags on graves at national cemeteries. The Department of Veterans Affairs also identifies a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. Ceremonies and local arrangements vary, so check with the cemetery or event organizer before visiting.[4]
Graveside observances have deep roots in the holiday’s history. Early programs included veterans’ processions and services with flags, music and prayer; cemetery agencies continue to coordinate Memorial Day gravesite traditions. Memorial Day and Veterans Day have distinct purposes: Memorial Day remembers those who died in service, while Veterans Day recognizes all who served.[3][4]
Planning around the holiday
Because Memorial Day is a federal holiday, federal employees observe it under their applicable work schedules. Private workplaces set their own holiday schedules, and the federal holiday does not require private employers to provide paid time off. Check with your employer about work and pay arrangements.[1][6]
Opening hours and services can vary by location and provider. If you plan to visit a cemetery, memorial or business, confirm its hours and any event or visitor guidance directly before travelling.[4]
Memorial Day questions
When is Memorial Day?
It is the last Monday in May under federal law.[1]
Who does Memorial Day honor?
It honors members of the U.S. armed forces who died in service, in wartime or peacetime.[3][4]
Do all workers get the day off?
No. Federal employees observe the holiday under their work schedules, but federal law does not require private employers to provide holiday time off or pay for time not worked.[1][6]
What is open on Memorial Day?
Opening hours vary by business and location. Check directly with the place you plan to visit; cemetery ceremonies and visitor arrangements can also vary.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Memorial Day in United States:
- What are Federal holidays?- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Memorial Day: A Commemoration- National Archives
- Memorial Day history- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration
- Memorial Day- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Federal Holidays - "In Lieu Of" Determination- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Questions and Answers About the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)- U.S. Department of Labor