Major holidays · in 365 days
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day 2027 is on Monday, May 31, 2027.
Memorial Day 2027 falls on Monday, May 31, 2027.
A US federal holiday honouring military personnel who died in service. It's widely seen as the unofficial start of summer.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 22. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Memorial Day
After the Civil War, communities across the US began decorating soldiers' graves in late spring. The practice grew into Decoration Day, first widely observed on May 30, 1868 at General John A. Logan's call to honour Union dead. It expanded to honour all Americans who died in service after World War I. Congress officially renamed it Memorial Day and moved it to the last Monday in May in 1971 under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The National Moment of Remembrance, observed at 3:00 PM local time, was established by law in 2000.
How Memorial Day is celebrated
Families visit cemeteries to lay flags and flowers. The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington and the Indianapolis 500 happen the same weekend. Many treat it as the kickoff of summer, opening pools and starting the grilling season.
Did you know?
Federal law calls for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time.
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full height.
Memorial Day honours those who died in service; Veterans Day honours all who served.
Memorial Day in upcoming years
How the date is set
The last Monday in May.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Memorial Day, see these references.
Related dates
Memorial Day: questions and answers
When is Memorial Day 2027?
Memorial Day 2027 falls on Monday, May 31, 2027.
What day of the week is Memorial Day this year?
In 2026, Memorial Day is a Monday, May 25.
How is the date of Memorial Day determined?
The last Monday in May.
Where is Memorial Day observed?
Memorial Day is observed in United States. Other countries may mark a similar day on a different date.