When is Memorial Day? Here's when the holiday falls and what to know about its history.

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY
·3 min read

In the United States, we have several holidays and observances that honor the armed forces. Among those is Memorial Day.

Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Here is what you need to know about Memorial Day and why we celebrate the holiday.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 29, 2023. The holiday always falls on the last Monday of May.

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Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?

Yes.

Memorial Day is one of 11 permanent federal holidays in the U.S.

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and commemorates those who died serving the United States. Though the holiday's origins are not exact, it did start after the Civil War.

In 1868, Gen. John Logan sent out an official order that designated May 30 as a day of remembrance for those who died serving in the Civil War. On the first Decoration Day, 20,000 graves at Arlington Cemetery were decorated, and future President James Garfield gave a speech.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson poses for a photo with a member of the military during organized team activities in Berea, May 25, 2022.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson poses for a photo with a member of the military during organized team activities in Berea, May 25, 2022.

By 1890, all Northern states recognized Decoration Day as a holiday. But Southern states chose to honor those who died in the Civil War on separate days. These differences continued until after World War I, when the holiday changed to honor Americans who died fighting in any war, not just the Civil War.

Why do we observe Memorial Day? Here's the true history of the holiday

Learn more: 10 historical facts about Memorial Day

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed the date of Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May. This act also established President's Day on the third Monday in February (formerly celebrated on Feb. 22) and Columbus Day on the second Monday in October (formerly celebrated on Oct. 12).

What was the story of the veteran speaker who had mic cut by Hudson American Legion on Memorial Day 2021?

In this image captured from Hudson Community Television, retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter checks to see if the microphone is functioning after organizers turned off audio during a portion of his Memorial Day speech Monday, May 31, in Hudson, Ohio.
In this image captured from Hudson Community Television, retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter checks to see if the microphone is functioning after organizers turned off audio during a portion of his Memorial Day speech Monday, May 31, in Hudson, Ohio.

Back in 2021, a ceremony organizer turned off the microphone during a Memorial Day ceremony in Markillie Cemetery when the event's keynote speaker, retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter, began sharing a story about freed Black slaves honoring deceased soldiers shortly after the end of the Civil War.

In the aftermath, the charter of Hudson's American Legion post was suspended as its leader resigned.

In 2022, roughly a year after organizers cut off his speech at the Hudson Memorial Day Service, the man behind the mic bought a house and moved back to the Summit County community that tried to silence him.

What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is observed each year on Nov. 11. The holiday celebrates everyone who has served in the U.S. military, while Memorial Day is dedicated to military personnel who died while in service.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memorial Day 2023: When is Memorial Day and why do we celebrate?