Memorial Day - Should it be a Federal holiday in the U.S?

The Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, is an occasion to reflect upon the supreme sacrifices made by men and women who died in America's wars. It’s a tradition that goes back in time, to before the Declaration of Independence, when the graves of the martyrs in the Civil War were decorated.

The North-South divide
For many years, the Memorial Day has served as a reminder of the deep divisions between the Union States of the North and the Confederate States of the South. The southern states differentiated themselves by observing the day as 'Confederate' Memorial Day on May 10 to honor Stonewall Jackson or June 3 to honor Jefferson Davis.


However, in 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic, called for the day to be standardized and observed on May 30. This led to the occasion evolving into public ceremonies, marked by speeches and colorful parades. But the enormous casualties of World War 2 got everyone to agree upon a single Memorial Day for all.

A day of leisure
By now, Memorial Day has become just another holiday, losing much of its historical significance. Businesses saw it as an opportunity for sales promotions and individuals as a time to get the best deal on a high-value purchase such as a big brand new car.

In 2010, the American Legion passed a resolution returning Memorial Day to May 30. The intention was to ensure the Memorial Day was indeed observed to honor the armed services and not simply a three-day long weekend.

Federal holiday conventions
To ensure that all Americans can celebrate federal holidays regardless of the weekday they fall on, certain conventions have been established. Federal holidays falling on a Saturday are observed on the previous Friday, and those falling on a Sunday are observed on the following Monday.

This convention, however, does not apply to Memorial Day in 2022 as May 30 falls on a Monday.