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May 31 Monday
Memorial Day
Monday, May 31, 2027, in 197 days
Federal holiday
Rule: Last Monday in May. Weekend dates move to Friday or Monday.
Memorial Day dates, 2024–2032
What it is
Memorial Day honors members of the U.S. armed forces who died in military service. It is also the informal start of summer: pools open, and it is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
A National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time.
Is it a day off?
Almost every employer that gives paid holidays includes Memorial Day. Government offices, banks, schools, the post office and the stock market are closed.
History
It began after the Civil War as Decoration Day, when families decorated soldiers' graves. Since 1971 it has been observed on the last Monday in May.
Questions
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day honors those who died in service. Veterans Day, on November 11, honors everyone who has served.
Is Memorial Day always a long weekend?
Yes. It is always a Monday, so Saturday through Monday is a three-day weekend.
Other federal holidays
- New Year's Fri, Jan 1
- MLK Day Mon, Jan 18
- Presidents' Day Mon, Feb 15
- Juneteenth Sat, Jun 19
- July 4th Sun, Jul 4
- Labor Day Mon, Sep 6
- Columbus Day Mon, Oct 11
- Veterans Day Thu, Nov 11
- Thanksgiving Thu, Nov 25
- Christmas Sat, Dec 25
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