Memorial Day 2024: When and Why We Celebrate
Memorial Day: A Federal Holiday
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed every year on the last Monday of May. It is a day to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the United States military.
When is Memorial Day in 2024?
Monday, May 27th
In 2024, Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 27th.
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It was first observed in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, as a day to decorate the graves of soldiers who had died during the war.
In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day to the last Monday of May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees.
How is Memorial Day Celebrated?
Memorial Day is typically observed with parades, speeches, and other ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers. Many people also visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of loved ones who have served in the military.
All non-essential government offices, schools, businesses, and other organizations are closed on Memorial Day.
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