United States · federal
The last Monday of May — remembering Americans who died serving the country.
2026: May 25, 2026 · 2027: May 31, 2027
It began as Decoration Day after the Civil War, when communities went out in spring to decorate graves with flowers. Several towns claim to have been first; the practice spread on its own before any law. It became a federal holiday on the last Monday of May in 1971.
It is a day of remembering, not of celebrating — the difference is worth teaching. Flags are flown at half-staff until noon, then raised: the mourning comes first, then the living carry on.
What a family can actually do
Put flowers somewhere. A grave, a memorial, a windowsill. Say a name out loud if your family has one.
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