🎖️ Memorial Day Countdown
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday in May. The countdown above always points to the next occurrence and rolls over automatically once it has passed.
The history of Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors American military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. It originated as 'Decoration Day' in 1868, when Americans began decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers with flowers. It became known as Memorial Day after World War I, when the observance expanded to honor all fallen U.S. service members, and the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971 fixed it to the last Monday in May and made it a federal holiday.
Memorial Day is often marked by visiting cemeteries and memorials, a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time, and parades. It also unofficially marks the start of summer in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday in May.
Yes — it's an official U.S. federal holiday, so banks, schools, post offices and most government offices are closed.
Memorial Day honors service members who died in service, while Veterans Day honors all who have served, living or deceased.
Because the earliest observances in 1868 involved decorating the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flowers.