How many days until Memorial Day?

About Memorial Day

Memorial Day in the United States is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring military personnel who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Its date shifts each year because it is defined by a formula, the last Monday of May, rather than a fixed day of the month, so the specific date depends on how the calendar falls in a given year. The holiday's origins trace back to the period following the American Civil War, when various communities held observances to honor fallen soldiers, and it gradually evolved and expanded in scope over the following century to its current status as a day commemorating all US military personnel who died in service. It was originally observed on a fixed date, but legislation passed in the 20th century moved it to the current last-Monday formula, primarily to create a standard three-day weekend for federal employees. Common ways of marking the day include visits to cemeteries and memorials, the placing of flags or flowers on the graves of fallen service members, and participation in parades or memorial ceremonies held in many towns and cities. The day also functions in broader American culture as the unofficial start of summer, a period associated with the opening of pools, increased travel, and outdoor gatherings, a secondary meaning that exists somewhat separately from its solemn origins. A frequent point of confusion is conflating Memorial Day with Veterans Day; Memorial Day specifically honors those who died while serving, whereas Veterans Day, observed later in the year on a fixed date, honors all who have served in the military, living and deceased alike, a distinction that is often blurred in casual usage of the two holidays.

Dates on this page are checked against public calendar sources. Spot something wrong? Let us know.