When is Memorial Day in 2018?

Memorial Day in 2018 is on Monday, May 28th. 

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is an U.S. holiday that is observed on the last Monday in the month of May.  

The American federal holiday memorializes all men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. Originally, Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. Decoration Day was founded as a way to commemorate all the lives that were lost during the American Civil War. The holiday recognized both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in battle. The name Decoration Day was altered to Memorial Day when the holiday was expanded to celebrate and recognize all the American soldiers who died in battle, not just specifically in the Civil War. 

As a way to recognize the fallen soldiers, many people visit military cemeteries or memorials. It is common practice for miniature American flags to be placed near the gravesites of fallen soldiers. Many American towns and cities host Memorial Day parades as a way to demonstrate their gratefulness. Fallen soldiers, active soldiers, war veterans and their families are the focus of these parades. It is also popular for American citizens to wear clothing that incorporates the national colors of red, white, and blue; the same colors found on the American flag.  

Memorial Day 2018 also signals the start of the summer season while Labor Day, a holiday that celebrates the American workforce, signals the end of summer.