Memorial Day 2024 Countdown

Memorial Day, once Decoration Day, is a U.S. federal holiday honoring fallen military personnel. Initially on May 30 (1868-1970), it shifted to the last Monday of May in 1971. The day involves visiting cemeteries, placing flags on graves, and is unofficially seen as the start of summer. Commander in Chief John A. Logan proclaimed the first observance on May 30, 1868, to honor Union soldiers lost in the Civil War.