American flags at military cemetery for Memorial Day
United StatesMemorial DayUSAMay

Memorial Day 2025: US Remembrance Guide

December 13, 20246 min read

Honor fallen military heroes on Memorial Day with ceremonies, parades, and traditions marking the unofficial start of summer.

Memorial Day: Honoring America's Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, honors military personnel who died serving the United States. It's a day of remembrance and the unofficial start of summer.

Memorial Day 2025

  • Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
  • Federal holiday
  • Three-day weekend
  • Historical Origins

    Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. It became an official federal holiday in 1971.

    Traditional Observances

    National Moment of Remembrance

    At 3:00 PM local time, Americans pause for one minute of silence.

    Ceremonies

  • Arlington National Cemetery wreath-laying
  • Local cemetery flag placements
  • Veterans memorial services
  • 21-gun salutes
  • Parades

    Communities hold parades featuring:

  • Veterans and active military
  • High school marching bands
  • Patriotic floats
  • Civic organizations
  • Popular Traditions

  • Visiting cemeteries and memorials
  • Displaying American flags
  • Wearing red poppies
  • Attending memorial services
  • Flying flags at half-staff until noon
  • Summer Kickoff

    Memorial Day also marks:

  • Pool and beach openings
  • Barbecues and picnics
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Sales and shopping events
  • Flags and Protocol

  • Half-staff until noon
  • Full-staff from noon to sunset
  • Red, white, and blue decorations
  • Plan your Memorial Day weekend with VIPCalendar!

    Tags

    #Memorial Day#USA#May#Military#Remembrance

    View Calendar

    Share Article