There are several festivals and observances in the United States that commemorate the military services. Memorial Day is one of them.
Memorial Day, originally known as “Decoration Day,” is celebrated on the last Monday of May to commemorate those who perished while serving in the United States military.
Here’s everything you need to know about Memorial Day, including when it occurs in 2023 and why we honor it.
When is Memorial Day
Monday, May 29, 2023 is Memorial Day. The vacation is always observed on the last Monday in May.
Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?
Memorial Day is, indeed, a government vacation. It is one of the 11 fixed government holidays in the United States.
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, honors those who perished while serving in the United States military.While the precise roots of the festival are unknown, it did begin after the Civil War.
General John Logan issued a formal order in 1868 designating May 30 as a day of commemoration for those who perished while fighting in the Civil War.20,000 tombs at Arlington Cemetery were adorned on the first Decoration Day, and future President James Garfield delivered an address.
By 1890, every northern state had declared Decoration Day a vacation. Southern nations, on the other hand, decided to commemorate those who perished in the Civil War on distinct days. These distinctions persisted until after World conflict I, when the holiday was altered to commemorate Americans who perished in any conflict, not just the Civil War.
Memorial Day was moved from May 30 to the last Monday in May as a result of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This legislation also created President’s Day on the third Monday in February (previously on February 22) and Columbus Day on the second Monday in October (previously on October 12).
Related Questions
-
What day does Memorial Day fall on each year?
last Monday of May
Memorial Day is a government holiday in the United States that honors those who perished while serving their nation in the military. It is celebrated on the last Monday of May each year. It is possible that it will occur between May 25 and May 31.
-
Is Memorial Day celebrated in Canada?
Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May in the United States. Memorial Day in 2023 is on Monday, May 29. Memorial Day is observed in Canada along with Canada Day on July 1st (in the regions of Newfoundland and Labrador) and Remembrance Day on November 11th.
-
Is Memorial Day a 4 day weekend?
The Uniform Holidays Act was enacted in 1968 as part of a push to use government holidays to generate three-day vacations. As a result, the Memorial Day vacation has been formally celebrated on the last Monday in May since 1971.
-
Is it OK to say Happy Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is intended to commemorate friends and relatives who perished while defending their nation. It is frequently a somber day of commemoration. Although your goals are good, wishing someone a happy birthday when they are mourning the death of loved ones may be inappropriate.
