Memorial Day is the US holiday honouring the men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces. It falls on the last Monday of May — 25 May in 2026 — and unofficially marks the start of the American summer. Here's its history.
See the Memorial Day holiday page or the US holiday calendar.
Origins: Decoration Day after the Civil War
Memorial Day grew out of the aftermath of the American Civil War (1861–1865), which killed more Americans than any other conflict. Communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers — a practice that became known as "Decoration Day."
In 1868, General John A. Logan issued an order calling for a nationwide day of remembrance, and 30 May was chosen to decorate the graves of the war dead.
Why the last Monday of May?
Over time, Decoration Day became Memorial Day and expanded to honour Americans who died in all wars. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the last Monday of May (effective 1971), creating the familiar long weekend.
Memorial Day vs Veterans Day
These two US holidays are often confused:
- Memorial Day (last Monday of May) honours those who died in military service.
- [Veterans Day](/blog/veterans-day-remembrance-day-history) (11 November) honours all who served — especially the living.
How Memorial Day is observed
- Visits to cemeteries and memorials, placing flags and flowers.
- A national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time.
- Parades — and, unofficially, the start-of-summer weekend.
- It is a federal holiday.
Quick answers
What does Memorial Day commemorate? US military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces.
Why is it on the last Monday of May? The Uniform Monday Holiday Act set it there (effective 1971); it grew from the post-Civil War "Decoration Day."
What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Memorial Day honours those who died in service; Veterans Day honours all who served, especially the living.
When is Memorial Day 2026? Monday, 25 May 2026 (the last Monday of May).