Summer is here with Memorial Day's three-day weekend. Observed on the last Monday in May each year, Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of warmer months with a long weekend known for barbecues, yard work and pool openings to honor the day of remembrance for military members who died in service.
The solemn day, recognized as one of the 11 federal holidays in the calendar year, is acknowledged across the country with flags lowered to half-staff under the established nationwide tradition. It is one of the few times flags are lowered in every state. However, it is up to individual employers to decide whether they offer time off or additional pay for work on federal holidays.
Full list of 2026 federal holidays
- New Year's Day: Thursday, January 1
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday, January 19
- Presidents' Day: Monday, February 16
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
- Independence Day: Saturday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7
- Indigenous Peoples' Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 12
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
Other important dates in 2026
- Valentine's Day: Saturday, February 14
- St. Patrick's Day: Tuesday, March 17
- April Fools' Day: Wednesday, April 1
- First Day of Passover: Wednesday, April 1
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3
- Easter: Sunday, April 5
- Mother's Day: Sunday, May 10
- Father's Day: Sunday, June 21
- Halloween: Saturday, October 31
- First Day of Hannukkah: Friday, December 4
- Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24
- New Year's Eve: Thursday, December 31
These federal holidays are observed by government offices, banks, and many businesses, though private sector observance may vary. Memorial Day, in particular, serves as a time to remember those who gave their lives for their country, with ceremonies and moments of silence held nationwide.
