Is Memorial Day a federal holiday in the US? Check what's open and shut

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, marking the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May. This year, it falls on May 26.

Originally called “Decoration Day,” this federal holiday honors the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the US military. As with most federal holidays, banks, schools, and nonessential government offices will be closed in observance of the day.

That said, the majority of restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores will remain open. Whether you're picking up groceries or filling a prescription, you’ll likely find what you need.


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When is Memorial Day celebrated?

It is always celebrated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day weekend starts on Friday, May 23, and lasts through the weekend until Monday. Yes, it is one of 11 federal holidays in the U.S. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Although the exact origins of Memorial Day are unclear, USA TODAY notes that the tradition of honoring fallen service members began after the Civil War ended in 1865. Originally known as Decoration Day, the first official observance took place on May 30, 1868. This was initiated by General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans. Logan issued an official order designating May 30 as a day to remember those who lost their lives serving in the Civil War.

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What's open and what's closed on Memorial Day?

As the Memorial day is observed across the country, various grocery stores follow different schedules as some remain close, some open its doors for a particular period while others completely shut their doors on the occasion.

The following are grocery stores that will remain either open or partially open on Memorial Day, as reported by USA Today.

Walmart: Open regular hours (typically 6 am to 11 pm)

Sam's Club: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members, 10 am to 6 pm for Club members

Kroger: Open regular hours (varies by location)

Trader Joe's: Open regular hours

Target: Open regular hours (check local store for hours)

Meijer: 6 a.m. to midnight

Publix: Open regular hours (pharmacies closed)

Albertsons: Open regular hours (pharmacies may be closed or have adjusted hours)

Whole Foods: Open regular hours

Food Lion: Open regular hours

Harveys & Winn-Dixie: Open regular hours

Harris Teeter: Open regular hours

Giant Eagle, Market District, GetGo: Open regular hours (Giant Eagle Pharmacies open from 9 am to 3 pm)

H-E-B: Open regular hours

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Are the Post Office, UPS, and FedEx open on Memorial Day?

No, all USPS offices will be closed on Memorial Day, and there will be no regular mail delivery, according to a statement to USA TODAY. UPS and FedEx will also suspend delivery services for the day. However, some UPS Store locations may remain open, and FedEx Custom Critical services will continue to operate.

Is Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's Wholesale Club open on Memorial Day?

Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club will both be open on Memorial Day.
Costco, however, will be closed. According to its website, Memorial Day is one of seven holidays on which Costco shuts its doors.

Are pharmacies open on Memorial Day?

Walgreens and CVS locations will generally be open on Memorial Day, though some in-store pharmacies may be closed or have reduced hours. It's recommended to check with your local store for specific pharmacy hours.