Memorial Day
Memorial Day 2027 falls on Monday, May 31. In 2028, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 29.
The dates of Memorial Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Memorial Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, May 26, 2025 |
| 2026 | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, May 31, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, May 29, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, May 28, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, May 27, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, May 26, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
What is Memorial Day?
On Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, Americans honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. The day has its roots in the years after the Civil War, when communities decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. It was long known as Decoration Day.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.
In 2027 it falls on Monday, May 31.
How Memorial Day is observed
Volunteers place American flags on graves at national cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery, where the president or vice president traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The flag is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full staff. At 3 p.m. local time, Americans are asked to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance.
Many towns hold parades, and red poppies are worn in memory of the fallen.
The unofficial start of summer
Memorial Day weekend is also seen as the unofficial start of summer, with barbecues, the opening of pools and beaches, and one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Federal offices, banks and most schools are closed. Memorial Day should not be confused with Veterans Day in November, which honors all who have served.
Frequently asked questions
When is Memorial Day 2027?
In 2027, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31.
Is Memorial Day a day off?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday: federal offices are closed and federal employees have the day off. Whether state offices, schools and private businesses close depends on the state and the employer; private employers are not required to give the day off.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the military. Veterans Day, on November 11, honors everyone who has served.
What is the National Moment of Remembrance?
A moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, when Americans are asked to pause and remember the fallen.