Memorial Day 2026: Honoring Our Heroes

As we approach Memorial Day 2026, observed on Monday, May 25th, we prepare to pause as a nation. It is not merely a long weekend marking the start of summer, but a sacred time dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

The Deep Roots of Remembrance

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

It wasn't until the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 that it was moved to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for federal employees; the change went into effect in 1971, officially declaring Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Traditions & Etiquette

The Flag at Half-Staff

On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation's battle heroes.

National Moment of Remembrance

To ensure the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes are never forgotten, the National Moment of Remembrance asks that at 3:00 p.m. local time, all Americans observe a minute of silence.

Meaningful Ways to Observe

Beyond the barbecues and pool openings, taking time to intentionally honor the fallen brings the true spirit of the holiday into focus.

• ❖ Visit a National Cemetery: Many, like Arlington National Cemetery, host special ceremonies. Placing a flag or flower on a grave is a timeless gesture of respect.
• ❖ Wear a Red Poppy: Inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," the red poppy has become a universal symbol of remembrance.
• ❖ Share Their Story: If you have a family member who served and paid the ultimate price, tell their story to the younger generation. Names are kept alive when they are spoken.