This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 27, 2024, and is always the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.
Memorial Day is about more than burgers and better weather. Memorial Day is observed in remembrance of those who fought—and died—for our freedom.
One of the very first known observances took place on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina, right after the end of the Civil War, according to the History Channel. A group of freed enslaved men, women, and children had buried the bodies of Union soldiers after Confederate soldiers evacuated Charleston. On May 1, people gathered for a parade in the fallen soldiers' honor, singing hymns and placing flowers at the fighters' graves.
A few years later, Union General John A. Logan declared that there is a date of remembrance for those who died during the Civil War. He chose May 30, 1868, because it wasn't already the anniversary of a battle. However, the Southern states opted to create their own day specifically for Confederate soldiers. Currently, nine states still set aside a day to honor those who lost their lives fighting for the Confederacy.
Memorial Day remained unofficial for many more years, though people certainly continued holding tributes for the fallen. Decades later, in 1950, the U.S. Congress agreed upon a resolution asking the president to "issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe ... Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace."
Then, in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, which declared that Memorial Day would occur on the final Monday every May. It also required a day off work for federal employees. Finally, in 1971, the anniversary officially became a federal holiday.
- America’s national night of remembrance, PBS’ NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, returns live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a special 35th anniversary broadcast. A tradition unlike anything else on television, the 90-minute broadcast honors the service of our men and women in uniform, military families and all those who have given their lives for our country. Hosted by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise, both steadfast champions of veterans’ causes and active service members, the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will air on PBS and stream nationwide on pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert and YouTube on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. E.T.
- Memorial Day at The Wall Monday, May 27, 2024 @ 1:00 PM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 5 HENRY BACON Dr NW, Washington, DC 20245
To RSVP or for more information, visit: https://www.vvmf.org/2024-Memorial-Day/ - 27th Annual Military Women’s Memorial Day Event Monday, May 27, 2024 — 3 – 5 p.m. For more information: https://womensmemorial.org/program/27th-annual-memorial-day-program/
- National Memorial Day Parade The National Memorial Day Parade presented by Boeing returns LIVE to Constitution Avenue this Memorial Day, May 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM! Join us in our nation’s capital as we honor the service and sacrifice of generations of Americans. For more information and how to watch, visit: https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/parade/