Memorial Day is the US federal holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. It falls on the last Monday in May, so the date changes each year; the next one is on Monday, May 31, 2027. The countdown above tracks every day, hour and minute until then, whether you are planning to attend a ceremony, visit a cemetery or travel over the long weekend.
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day
The holiday grew out of the Civil War, which claimed more American lives than any other conflict. In the years after the war, communities in both the North and the South began decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers. In 1868 Gen. John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic, called for a national Decoration Day on May 30. That first year, around 5,000 people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to place flowers on Union and Confederate graves alike.
Many towns claim to be the birthplace of the tradition. In 1966 the federal government officially recognized Waterloo, New York, which held a community-wide observance on May 5, 1866. After World War I the day was widened to honor Americans who died in all wars, and the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the last Monday in May from 1971, creating the three-day weekend known today.
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
The two are easy to confuse. Memorial Day remembers those who died in military service. Veterans Day, on November 11, thanks everyone who has served, living or dead. Armed Forces Day, on the third Saturday in May, honors those serving right now.
How to observe the day
- Flag etiquette: the US flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the day.
- National Moment of Remembrance: at 3 p.m. local time, Americans are asked to pause for one minute of silence.
- Cemetery visits: service members and volunteers place small flags on graves at national cemeteries, including Arlington, in the days before the holiday.
- Red poppies: inspired by the World War I poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, poppies are worn and handed out by veterans’ groups.
The unofficial start of summer
Memorial Day weekend also kicks off the summer season. Pools and beaches open, the Indianapolis 500 is run on the Sunday, and it is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Federal offices, banks and post offices close on the Monday, while many retailers hold sales.
- Leave early if you are driving, and expect crowded highways on Friday afternoon and Monday evening.
- Check opening hours for banks and government services ahead of time.
- Find a local parade or ceremony; many towns hold one at a war memorial on Monday morning.
- Set a reminder for 3 p.m. so the whole family can pause together.
Want to share the date with family or your veterans’ group? Use the share link or add the countdown to your calendar. Related dates on Tempoo include the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.