Home / May

Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31, 2027. That is 216 days away.

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. It is a federal holiday, observed on the last Monday in May.

The day is distinct from occasions that thank living veterans. Its focus is on those who did not come home, and on the families, friends and units who carry their absence.

Many communities mark it with ceremonies at cemeteries, memorials and town squares. Volunteers often place small American flags at the graves of service members, row after row, so that each name is visited. Wreaths are laid, names are read aloud, and a bugler may play Taps. Parades in some towns include veterans, local bands and families walking together.

By custom, the American flag is flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the day. The morning stands for mourning. The afternoon stands for the resolve of the living to carry on.

A National Moment of Remembrance is also observed at 3 p.m. local time, when people are asked to pause for one minute wherever they are. It can be done at a ceremony, at home, or on the side of a road.

For many families, the day is personal. It may mean visiting one grave, telling a story about a relative, or looking again at an old photograph in uniform.

Ways to honor this day

• Display an American flag at half-staff until noon.
• Attend a local Memorial Day ceremony or parade.
• Pause for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
• Visit a veterans cemetery and read the names on the headstones.
• Write a note to a Gold Star family you know.

Dates

All national days on May 31

Categories: Federal holidaysCommemorative days