Guide Note

While the official date of Memorial Day is May 30, it is observed on the last Monday in May. This holiday celebrates Americans who died while serving their country in a time of war.

Fast Facts

  1. Memorial Day is May 25, 2009
  2. Observed the last Monday of May
  3. Originally called Decoration Day
  4. Federal holiday
  5. Marks the unofficial beginning of summer
  6. Came into practice after the American Civil War
  7. Official date is May 30
  8. Date of Indianapolis 500
  9. Official birthplace: Waterloo, New York
  10. Ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery each year

Fun Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

While people often celebrate Memorial Day with a picnic or barbecue, you can also savor the holiday by dressing up your computer or website with Memorial Day clipart, Memorial Day graphics and Memorial Day wallpaper. Share Memorial Day poems, Memorial Day prayers and Memorial Day trivia with loved ones.

Other Patriotic Holidays