Countdown to Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who died while serving in the nation's armed forces. It is a solemn day of remembrance, distinct from Veterans Day, which honors all who have served. The countdown above shows exactly how many days remain until the next Memorial Day.

Falling at the end of May, Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, when many families gather for barbecues, parades, and trips. Yet at its heart the holiday remains a tribute to sacrifice, observed with cemetery visits, flags, and a national moment of remembrance.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year, creating a three-day weekend. Because it depends on the weekday rather than a fixed date, the exact day changes annually. Follow the days remaining with the countdown above, and use the date duration calculator to count days between Memorial Day and any other date. The business days calculator can help you plan around the long weekend.

History and origins

Memorial Day grew out of Decoration Day, which arose after the American Civil War as communities decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. The observance gradually expanded to honor all American military dead. In 1971, federal law established Memorial Day as the last Monday of May. Today a national moment of remembrance is observed at 3:00 p.m. local time.

How Memorial Day is observed

• Visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on graves.
• Attending parades and remembrance ceremonies.
• Flying the flag at half-staff until noon.
• Observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m.
• Gathering for barbecues marking the start of summer.

Frequently asked questions about Memorial Day

When is Memorial Day?

It is observed on the last Monday of May each year, so the exact date changes annually and forms a three-day weekend.

What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, while Veterans Day honors all who have served in the armed forces.

Why is the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day?

The flag flies at half-staff until noon to mourn the fallen, then is raised to full height to honor the living and the nation.

What is the National Moment of Remembrance?

At 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to honor those who died in service.

Does Memorial Day mark the start of summer?

Unofficially, yes. The long weekend is widely seen as the beginning of the summer season in the United States.