when is memorial day

Memorial Day in the United States is observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a federal holiday to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day and was first nationally observed on May 30, 1868. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been officially observed on the last Monday in May to create a long weekend. For example, in 2025, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26. This always falls between May 25 and May 31, depending on the year.