Memorial Day: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 12, 2026

News •

Are Veterans Day and Memorial Day different? Who gets day off work, school in CA • Nov. 11, 2026, 8:00 AM ET (The Sacramento Bee)

When is Veterans Day 2026? Here's when the holiday falls • Nov. 6, 2026, 5:07 AM ET (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

When is Veterans Day 2026? Is it a federal holiday? What to know • Oct. 28, 2026, 2:46 PM ET (The Cincinnati Enquirer)

Facts

Also Known As	Decoration Day

Photos and Videos

Memorial Day: Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Day: Arlington National Cemetery

A small American flag is placed in front of a gravestone in a military cemetery, symbolizing Memorial Day remembrance for U.S. armed forces members.

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

United States armed force Why Is the Indy 500 Held on Memorial Day Weekend?May holiday Independence Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Labor Day Father’s Day Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples’ Day Women’s Equality Day Veterans Day St. Patrick’s Day

Key People

John A. Logan

John A. Logan

United States general and politician

Close-up of a weathered, old American flag of the United States of America, used as a patriotic decoration on Fourth of July (Independence Day), Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other national holidays.

Memorial Day Quiz

Thumbnail for 'Which Came First' Quiz. Composite image. Left is Glass bottle of ketchup, right is a Glass bottle containing white sauce. Sauce, food, condiment

The Dating Game: Which Came First? Vol. 3