Honoring heroes: A look at the history of Memorial Day

Tamara Walker, Asbury Park Press
·2 min read

Aside from Easter, another spring holiday that marks the unofficial kick-off toward summer is considered Memorial Day, but the holiday has more meaning behind it other than a day off of work and barbecues.

Like Veterans Day, this holiday honors our military too.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May. This year the federal holiday is May 27.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is an American federal holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It's origins were to only honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War and was originally called Decoration Day, according to history.com.

On May 5, 1868, Northern Civil War veteran leader Gen. John A. Logan led the charge for a nationwide day of remembrance which was May 30, that included activities such as decorating the graves of comrades who died, according to history.com.

But that changed during World War I.

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?

The holiday is celebrated to honor those who died defending their country. Following World War I, the United States shifted the holiday to include those who died in all wars not just the Civil War. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. In 1971 it was also declared as federal holiday, according to history.com.

What stores are open Memorial day?

  • Aldi: Stores operate for limited hours and vary by location.

  • Sam's Club: Stores are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for plus members and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. club members

  • ShopRite: Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p. m.

  • Target: Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Trader Joe's: Operating on regular hours.

  • Walmart: Operating on regular hours.

  • Wegmans: Operating on regular hours.

  • Whole Foods: Hours vary based on location.

What stores are closed on Memorial day?

  • Costco

Are banks and shipping services closed for Memorial Day?

Most national banks and shipping services will be closed for the federal holiday.

  • Banks: Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Memorial Day, according to USA TODAY.

  • FedEx: Office hours will be modified and services that include pickup and delivery will not be available.

  • UPS: Check with your local store for specific hours of operation, but services that include pickup and delivery will not be available.

  • USPS: All post offices will be closed for regular mail but Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: When is Memorial Day weekend 2024? Why do we celebrate the holiday?