Memorial Day, one of the most significant federal holidays in the United States, will be observed on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Recognized as the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day is a time for remembrance and travel, with many Americans taking advantage of the long weekend for vacations, family gatherings, and patriotic ceremonies.
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Memorial Day is among the 12 federal holidays observed in 2025.
This means that government offices, public schools, banks, and post offices will be closed. While some private businesses may also close, many retail stores and entertainment venues will remain open.
Memorial Day’s Historical Significance
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, to honor fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Over time, it expanded to recognize all military personnel who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act officially designated Memorial Day as a federal holiday, moving it to the last Monday of May each year to allow for a three-day weekend.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Arlington National Cemetery organize wreath-laying ceremonies and memorial services at various military cemeteries across the country.
Memorial Day and U.S. Federal Holidays in 2025
As per the U.S. federal holiday schedule, Memorial Day is the fifth federal holiday of 2025. The full list of U.S. federal holidays for 2025 includes:
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20 (Monday)
- Inauguration Day – January 20 (Monday, observed every four years)
- Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) – February 17 (Monday)
- Memorial Day – May 26 (Monday)
- Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19 (Thursday)
- Independence Day – July 4 (Friday)
- Labor Day – September 1 (Monday)
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 13 (Monday)
- Veterans Day – November 11 (Tuesday)
- Thanksgiving Day – November 27 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Thursday)
Memorial Day Travel and Celebrations
Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S., as millions of Americans take advantage of the extended break.
According to the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration, travelers should expect crowded airports, heavy traffic, and possible flight delays at major hubs such as:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Popular domestic travel destinations over Memorial Day weekend include Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Washington, D.C.; Miami, Florida; and San Diego, California.
Many visitors also head to national parks, beaches, and lakes for outdoor activities.
Additionally, Memorial Day parades and ceremonies take place across the country in cities like New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston.
Major events include the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., and the Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol.
Plan Ahead for Memorial Day 2025
Travelers are encouraged to book flights and accommodations early and check traffic conditions on 511 traffic systems.
The post Memorial Day 2025 new updates you need to know: Date, history, travel impact across the US appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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