Memorial Day 2025
Monday, May 26, 2025
Memorial Day 2025 was Monday, May 26, 2025
Check the dates below for upcoming celebrations.
Memorial Day - Next 5 Years
| Year | Date | Day of Week | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 26, 2025 | Monday | Past |
| 2026 | May 25, 2026 | Monday | In 202 days |
| 2027 | May 31, 2027 | Monday | In 573 days |
| 2028 | May 29, 2028 | Monday | In 937 days |
| 2029 | May 28, 2029 | Monday | In 1301 days |
📚 History & Origin
Memorial Day originated after the Civil War as 'Decoration Day' in 1868, when citizens decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. General John A. Logan, leader of a Union veterans' organization, officially proclaimed the first nationwide observance. Originally honoring those who died in the Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday and moved to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend.
🎊 Traditions & Celebrations
Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials to honor fallen soldiers, attending memorial services and parades, displaying the American flag at half-staff until noon, and participating in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. Many families also gather for barbecues and outdoor activities, marking the unofficial start of summer, though the day's primary purpose is remembrance.
✨ Fun Facts
Waterloo, New York was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966
Red poppies became the symbol of Memorial Day after the famous World War I poem 'In Flanders Fields'
The flag should be raised briskly to the top of the staff then solemnly lowered to half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day
More than 1.3 million American service members have died in U.S. wars and conflicts throughout history
View Full Calendar
See Memorial Day and all other holidays on our interactive calendar