For many, Memorial Day means a cookout, a day at the beach or a surefire three-day weekend. It’s widely considered the unofficial start of summer in the U.S.
But the federal holiday is a day of remembrance and commemoration for military members who lost their lives in service.
Here’s when Memorial Day 2025 is, what it is and a list of federal holidays in the U.S.
What date is Memorial Day in 2025?
Memorial Day 2025 is about three weeks away, on Monday, May 26.
What is the meaning behind Memorial Day?
Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans’ Day, but they’re completely different.
“The holiday was created to honor the many American men and women who died in military service,” The Farmers’ Almanac says.
“This focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice sets it apart from Veterans’ Day, which honors all military veterans, living and dead.”
Is Memorial Day the same date every year? How is Memorial Day determined each year?
No, Memorial Day is not tied to a fixed calendar date. It’s observed every year on the last Monday in May, ensuring a three-day weekend for federal employees.
Is Memorial Day the start of summer?
Yes, many in the U.S. consider Memorial Day to mark the unofficial start of summer.
Conversely, many see Labor Day weekend, which is also a three-day weekend, as the unofficial close of the summer season in the U.S. Labor Day always falls on the first Monday of September.
Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Memorial Day is one of 11 permanent federal holidays.
Here’s the list of federal holidays in the U.S.:
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: What date is Memorial Day on in 2025? What to know about the three-day weekend in May
Reporting by Lianna Norman, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
