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Memorial Day Facts

Memorial Day Date Observed:
Mon, May 28, 2007
Mon, May 26, 2008
Mon, May 25, 2009
Mon, May 31, 2010
Mon, May 30, 2011
Mon, May 28, 2012

Rule to Determine the Date of Memorial Day:
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Traditional Date of Memorial Day
Wed, May 30, 2007
Fri, May 30, 2008
Sat, May 30, 2009
Sun, May 30, 2010
Mon, May 30, 2011
Wed, May 30, 2012
The traditional date of Memorial Day is the 30th of May.

Federal Holiday Status
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Learn more about federal holidays.

Reason We Celebrate Memorial Day:
A day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
In contrast, Veterans Day honors all that have served.

Formal Observance of Memorial Day:

• Wear a red poppies on Memorial day to honor those who died serving the United States during war
• At 3 p.m. local time, Americans should pause for a moment of silence or listen to "Taps"
• Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of veterans
• Visit a memorial
• Attend a parade to honor fallen heroes

Informal Observance of Memorial Day:

• Family and friends get together for a Picnic
• Unofficial kick-off of summer season