Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to remembering military personnel who died while serving the United States, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA says the holiday traces its origins to the years following the Civil War, when communities held tributes and decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. The observance became known as “Decoration Day” before later being renamed Memorial Day.
Congress established Memorial Day as a federal holiday in 1971 through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays to Mondays.
This year, the holiday falls on May 25.
Because it is a federal holiday, government offices, banks, post offices and many schools will be closed.
Most grocery stores and supermarkets like Walmart, Target, HEB, among others, are open on this day, with the exception of Costco, which is closed.
Why does the U.S. celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day honors military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The holiday differs from Veterans Day, which recognizes all military veterans, including those who served during wartime and peacetime, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Many communities observe Memorial Day with ceremonies, parades and visits to cemeteries or memorials. The National Moment of Remembrance Act, signed into law in 2000, encourages Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.