Memorial Day, which is the day that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, is always commemorated on the last Monday of May.
This year, Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25. The day is considered a federal holiday, meaning that many banks, post offices and other businesses will be closed.
Here’s what to know aout Memorial Day in 2026.
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25.
Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Memorial Day is considered a federal holiday in the United States.
Memorial Day meaning
Originally called Decoration Day, it was formalized by a “Memorial Day Order” in 1868, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and calls on Americans “to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace.”
Memorial Day is the nation’s foremost annual day to mourn and honor its deceased service men and women.
Is Memorial Day a paid holiday?
While Memorial Day is a federal holiday and most do get paid, it is not required. Among civilian workers receiving paid holidays, 90 percent received Memorial Day as a paid holiday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is Memorial Day weekend? What to know about the federal holiday
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
