Mark your calendar: The upcoming federal holiday and long weekend in May

The next long weekend in the United States will occur in May, in celebration of Memorial Day, one of the country’s most significant holidays. Memorial Day, which unofficially marks the beginning of summer, will take place from May 25 to May 27 this year, as the holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May.

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The origins of Memorial Day

According to Veteran Affairs, in the aftermath of the Civil War, three years later, on May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), founded Decoration Day. This was intended to be a day for the nation to honor the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Logan designated May 30 for the observance, likely because flowers would be in full bloom across the country at that time.

Decoration Day, which later turned into Memorial Day, was established to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Since its origins in 1868, it was celebrated every May 30th for more than a century. However, in 1971, the holiday was moved to the last Monday of May and became a federal holiday.

Memorial Day celebrations

Across the United States, Memorial Day is marked by parades, memorial services, and patriotic events. Cities like Washington D.C. and New York host large-scale celebrations, while in Arlington, Virginia, the National Cemetery becomes the focal point of the tributes. The holiday serves as a meaningful way to remember the fallen heroes while uniting the nation in commemorative activities.

The boost to tourism and retail

Beyond its deep significance, Memorial Day also unofficially signals the arrival of summer in the U.S. Destinations like Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles see a surge in visitors as people flock to enjoy the warm weather. The holiday weekend also aligns with the start of shopping discounts, making it an excellent time for consumers to take advantage of sales on tech, fashion, and cars.

In addition to tourism, Memorial Day brings a boost to the retail industry. Many major stores offer significant discounts to attract consumers, and tech, fashion, and car brands often release some of their best promotions of the year. This period becomes an ideal opportunity for those looking for bargains and planning summer purchases.

National parks and beaches become popular destinations, filled with tourists and locals alike. Memorial Day also marks a time for family gatherings and barbecues—an American tradition. People often gather to celebrate the long weekend with loved ones, enjoying good food and outdoor activities in honor of the holiday.

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Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: Understanding the difference

While Memorial Day is often associated with Veterans Day, which falls on November 11, there is a key difference between the two. Veterans Day honors the service of all military veterans, whether they fought or will fight, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who lost their lives in service to their country.