Memorial Day in the U.S: Date, history, how to celebrate, what's open and what's closed; all you need to know

Observed on the last Monday of May every year, Memorial Day will be celebrated solemnly on Monday, May 27, reports' El Paso Times'. It is observed to honor the soldiers who died while serving the nation. It was originally called Decoration Day and was held to commemorate those who died serving the US. It dates back to the 19th century as Gen. John Logan issued an order in 1868 to observe May 30 as a day of remembrance for those who died serving in the Civil War. About 20,000 graves were decorated at Arlington Cemetery that day.

While all Northern states recognized Decoration Day as a holiday by 1890, Southern states chose to observe it on separate days. During World War I, it was decided to honor all those who died fighting any war, not just the Civil War. The date of Memorial Day was changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May by enacting the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

Holiday?

Memorial Day is a permanent federal holiday. Most banks' branches, including Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase, will remain closed on Memorial Day. All post offices will remain closed for retail transactions on Monday, May 27.


According to 'USA Today', Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Target stores will be open on Memorial Day. FedEx's pickup and delivery services will be closed on Memorial Day.

Shopping

Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and other companies have offered television deals. Deals to purchase big-ticket items like electronics, small appliances, or mattresses have also been provided.

FAQs

When and why is Memorial Day observed?
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May every year to honor all those soldiers who died serving the nation. This year it falls on May 27.

How did Memorial Day begin?
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day to commemorate those who died serving the US. During World War I, it was decided to honor all those who died fighting any war, not just the Civil War. The date of Memorial Day was changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May by enacting the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.