Memorial Day

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day decorations at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday, commemorating those who have died in military service to their country. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day - an occasion to decorate the graves of the war dead - and was created in the aftermath of the American Civil War.

Observances are held at military graveyards, cemeteries and memorials, and military themed parades are held across the country. The holiday is also associated with the Indianapolis 500 car race which is held on the Sunday preceding Memorial Day.

Memorial Day, and the long weekend that it creates, is generally seen to mark the beginning of the summer season (while Labor Day marks the end).

See also Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day.

2019 calendar showing all US federal holidays.

Further reading:
• Memorial Day on Wikipedia