Memorial Day 2025: History, wishes, quotes, and what’s open & closed

Once observed on May 30, Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 and is now marked on the last Monday of May. Originally set aside to honor America’s fallen military heroes, the day has evolved into both a solemn tribute and the unofficial start of summer.

While its roots remain sacred, the long weekend has also become one of the busiest for retail sales and travel across the U.S.

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is the United States' most solemn annual tribute to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the military.


Originally known as Decoration Day, the observance was officially established in 1868 through a "Memorial Day Order" issued by John A. Logan, then Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Today, the day carries a national call for remembrance, encouraging Americans to honor the fallen and pray, in accordance with their personal faiths, for lasting peace.

What’s Open and What’s Closed on Memorial Day 2025:

Government Services:
Federal, state, and local government offices—including post offices, courts, and public schools—will be closed.

Banks and Financial Markets:
Most banks and the U.S. stock markets will be closed on Monday. FedEx and UPS will suspend most pickup and delivery services, though limited express options may still be available.

Retail Stores:
Costco will close its doors for the holiday, staying true to tradition. However, most major retailers will remain open and are expected to roll out significant Memorial Day sales. Check local hours, as they may vary.

Travel and Traffic:
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial launch of summer travel. AAA estimates more than 45 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home—up 1.4 million from last year. Of those, about 39.4 million will hit the road, setting a new record since AAA began tracking in 2000.

Air travel is also expected to rise slightly, with around 3.61 million flying over the weekend. While fuel prices have dropped (currently averaging $3.18 per gallon, compared to $3.60 last year), air travel remains under scrutiny following a recent midair accident and ongoing flight delays caused by staffing shortages and technical issues.

Memorial Day 2025 Wishes:

• “Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day. Let us honor and remember our heroes today and always.”
  
  
• “On this Memorial Day, we salute the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom.”
  
  
• “May we never forget the cost of liberty and those who paid the ultimate price for it.”
  
  
• “With pride and gratitude, we remember all who served and sacrificed for our nation.”
  
  
• “Let us keep their memory alive—with silence, reverence, and a renewed commitment to peace.”
  
  

Memorial Day 2025 Quotes:

• “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
  
  
• “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  
  
• “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.” – Benjamin Disraeli
  
  
• “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” – G.K. Chesterton
  
  
• “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” – Gen. Douglas MacArthur