Is Today Memorial Day? Exact 2025 Date, History & Best Ways to Honor

Yes—today, Monday, May 26 2025, is Memorial Day in the United States, the federally observed holiday that falls on the last Monday of May each year. What Memorial Day Commemorates Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who died while serving. Communities nationwide hold ceremonies at cemeteries and monuments, lay wreaths, and participate in a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. Many towns also stage parades featuring veterans’ organizations, marching bands, and Gold Star families. What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2025 • Federal, state, and local government offices—including post offices—are closed. • Banks generally do not open, because the Federal Reserve observes the holiday. • Stock markets are closed for trading. • Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and most grocery chains remain open, often running “Memorial Day sales.” Hours may vary by location, so call ahead. • UPS and FedEx suspend most ground and air deliveries; USPS delivers no regular mail. • Public transportation typically operates on a Sunday or holiday schedule. Travel and Traffic Outlook AAA projected roughly 45 million travelers on the roads and in the air over the long weekend, the highest volume in nearly two decades. Expect peak return-trip congestion late this afternoon and early evening near major metro areas and beach routes. Ways to Observe Today 1. Attend a local Memorial Day ceremony or parade. 2. Visit a national cemetery; many place flags on each grave. 3. Pause at 3 p.m. for the National Moment of Remembrance. 4. Support a veterans’ charity or volunteer with an organization that assists military families. 5. Fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to full-staff—an official protocol that symbolizes mourning in the morning and living honor in the afternoon. Weather Planning Tips Check your local forecast before heading to outdoor barbecues or pool openings; many regions experience pop-up afternoon thunderstorms in late May. Why the Date Changes Originally known as Decoration Day and fixed on May 30, the holiday was moved to the last Monday in May by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 to create a three-day weekend. Key Takeaways • Today is indeed Memorial Day 2025. • Government offices and stock markets are closed; most retail stores are open. • Honor fallen service members with a moment of silence at 3 p.m., attendance at local ceremonies, and by flying the flag according to protocol. Use this guide to confirm closures, plan respectful observances, and navigate post-holiday traffic as you commemorate Memorial Day 2025.