Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Schools won’t be in session and many businesses take the day off. Most national banks and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Monday, May 25, since Memorial Day is a federal holiday.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day is the “nation’s foremost annual day to mourn and honor its deceased service men and women.” Originally called “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day dates back to the 1860s and commemorates those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It was first celebrated in the United States by the town of Waterloo, Seneca County.
Here’s what you need to know about banks, post offices and shipping services, and whether or not they’ll be open on Memorial Day in 2026.
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day always lands on the last Monday of May. This year, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25.
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
The federal holiday creates a three day weekend, marking the unofficial start of summer in the eyes of many.
The day started, however, as a way for Americans to pay tribute to soldiers by decorating their graves and saying prayers, according to the History Channel.
In 1868, Gen. John Logan sent out an official order designating May 30 as a day of remembrance for those who died serving in the Civil War, according to usmemorialday.org. On the first Decoration Day, 20,000 graves at Arlington Cemetery were decorated, and future President James Garfield gave a speech, the History Channel reports.
New York was the first state to recognize Decoration Day as an official holiday in 1873. By 1890, all Northern states acknowledged the day. Southern states, however, chose to honor those who died in the Civil War on separate days, according to the History Channel. This continued until after World War I.
Following World War I, Memorial Day’s focus shifted to honor American soldiers who died in any war, not only the Civil War, according to the History Channel.
Is the post office open on Memorial Day? Will mail be delivered?
Memorial Day is a U.S. Postal Service holiday, according to the agency’s website. That means that mail will not be delivered and post offices will be closed for retail transactions on May 25. Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.
Are banks open on Memorial Day?
Bank of America, M&T Bank, Wells Fargo, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase confirmed that their branches would be closed on Memorial Day. Five Star Bank, ESL Federal Credit Union and Canandaigua National Bank – all local banking branches – are also closed on May 25 due to the federal holiday. Folks can still access ATMs or use online/mobile app on the holiday.
Is UPS open on Memorial Day? Will packages be delivered?
UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on Memorial Day. UPS Store locations may be closed, according the company’s website. Check with your local store for specific hours of operation. UPS Express Critical service is available 365 days a year, according to the company’ website. For more, go to mnx.com or call 1-800-714-8779.
Is FedEx open on Memorial Day? Will packages be delivered?
Most of FedEx’s pickup and delivery services will not be available on Memorial Day, according to the company’s website. FedEx Office hours will also be modified, so check with your local store for the location’s hours. FedEx Custom Critical, however, will be operating, according to the company.
What else is closed on Memorial Day?
Schools are closed, as are some other businesses. Some may also be operating under abbreviated hours. Unlike Christmas and Thanksgiving, most major retailers are open on Memorial Day with one super-sized exception – Costco Wholesale clubs are closed May 25, as they are for other federal holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to the Costco website.
When are federal holidays in 2026?
After Memorial Day, there are seven more days throughout 2026 designated as federal holidays. Here’s a rundown of each one and when it is:
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Are banks, post offices open on Memorial Day 2026? What’s closed Monday
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
