Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is falling on 25 May this year. This US federal holiday commemorates military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces. The origin of this day can be traced back to 1868 when it was called Decoration Day, to honour and mourn fallen soldiers.
On this day, American nationals visit cemeteries and memorials and place American flags on graves to pay tribute to ultimate sacrifice of deceased service men and women. The US flag is flown at half-staff until noon while the nation marks ‘Moment of Remembrance’ at 3:00 PM (local time).
Also Read |
What’s open and what’s closed on Memorial Day
Here’s all you need to know about what’s open and closed on Memorial Day.
Post offices, UPS and FedEx
- Since 25 May is a federal holiday and a part of United States Postal Service (USPS) , post offices will remain closed and offline services will remain suspended on Monday. Besides this, it is a non-working day for UPS and FedEx officials which implies that pickup and delivery operations will not be available across FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, and FedEx Freight.
Stock market and banks
- Offline banking services at bank branches will also remain suspended on May 25. Customers should check with their local bank branch for special working hours during holidays. The Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will reopen on Tuesday, 26 May, after three-day long holiday, on account of Memorial Day, as per Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Notably, the US bond market closed early at 2 PM ET on Friday.
Also Read |
Grocery stores
- Even though Memorial Day is a , most grocery chains will open today during their regular operating hours.
- Supermarket chain Kroger will open for regular hours on 25 May. However, timings of Kroger pharmacy and clinic can vary. Walmart and Food Lion stores will follow normal timings as usual and will remain open even on this federal holiday, USA Today reported.
- Trader Joe’s, Meijer, Publix and Whole Foods and other grocery stores typically remain open even on Memorial Day. However, one should always check with local store regarding . Moving to wholesale clubs, Sam’s Club warehouses will operate for 12 hours today as they will open at 8 AM for Plus members and 9:00 AM for Club members, and will close at 8:00 PM for all, the company says on its website. Meanwhile, BJ’s warehouses will open at 8:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM today, according to the company’s website.
- It is important to note that Costco warehouses will remain closed on Memorial Day, according to the company’s website.
Also Read |
Restaurants
- Most restaurant chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin and Wendy’s, among others will remain open on Memorial Day.
Retail stores
- Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, IKEA, Target, TJ Maxx, Bass Pro Shop and other national retailers will open today.
Pharmacies
- Most CVS pharmacy locations will open today for limited hours, but Walgreens stores and pharmacies will operate during normal business hours
