05/22/2026
“That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”
– Brevet Lieut.-Col. Edmund B. Whitman, 1868
National Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to pause for a one-minute moment of unity to remember and reflect on the fallen.
Memorial Day is a solemn federal holiday in the United States dedicated to mourning and honoring all military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces.
While widely recognized as the unofficial kickoff to summer and a long weekend for family gatherings, the true meaning of the day centers on the ultimate sacrifice made by American service members.
Fallen vs. Living: Memorial Day specifically honors those who died in service. It is often confused with Veterans Day, which celebrates all living and past U.S. military veterans.
Decoration Day Origins: Originally known as "Decoration Day," the tradition began after the Civil War when citizens would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with spring flowers and flags.
Traditional Observances: Americans typically visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers place small American flags on the graves of the fallen at national cemeteries.
You can read more about the historical timeline of the holiday on the National Archives Memorial Day Page or explore educational resources via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs History Office.
Have a safe, thankful, and thoughtful Memorial Day.
