Most major businesses, including nationwide and regional grocery and retail stores (e.g., Target, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Vons, etc.) will be open.
Costco will be closed.
Banks and financial markets like the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed.
Most state and city governments, mail carriers, and libraries will be closed.
This year, Memorial Day — which takes place on the last Monday in May — falls on May 26.
The holiday is considered by many to be the unofficial start of summer, as people pack their bags, fire up their barbecues, and get ready for some good times. Roughly 90% of all civilian workers receive a paid holiday on Memorial Day.
As a federal holiday, public institutions — including banks, schools, post offices, libraries, and federal offices — are typically closed.
What’s closed on Memorial Day?
Federal, state, and city government offices and buildings are typically closed on Memorial Day, as is the stock market and state and federal courts.
The U.S. Postal Service will be closed and not deliver mail on the holiday. The Federal Reserve System will be closed, along with most banks. ATMs and online banking will remain open, and cryptocurrencies will remain tradable.
Some retailers will be closed for the holiday. Costco (COST) is closed on Memorial Day, one of seven holidays the warehouse club observes this year.
UPS (UPS) will be closed, and there will be no pickups or deliveries on Memorial Day, but UPS Express Critical service will continue to operate. UPS Stores may be open, depending on the location.
Service and delivery at FedEx (FDX) will be closed, and FedEx offices may have modified hours.
Some institutions normally open to the public on Saturday will be closed that day to give their workers a three-day holiday. Public libraries in New York City and Houston, for example, will be closed on May 25–26.
Most large grocery chains are open on Memorial Day. Walmart (WMT) , Kroger (KR) , and Trader Joe’s are operating on normal hours.
Most major retailers, including Target (TGT) , Home Depot (HD) , and Lowe’s (LOW) , are also operating normally. Still, check with your local grocer and retailer for their hours of operation.
7-Eleven and most other convenience stores and gasoline stations are also open. In cities and towns, local bars and restaurants might be open under limited hours.
Across the country, cities from Washington D.C. and New York, to Chicago, Houston, and Sacramento will have parades, and some small businesses might be open along the parade routes.
Are cemeteries and national parks open on Memorial Day?
While the holiday offers time off for many Americans and some stores and establishments will be open, it’s also a somber day of reflection for others. Many family members and friends will visit the graves of those who died in service.
The National Cemetery Association, a branch of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, will open its 155 national cemeteries, where more than 4.1 million Americans — including veterans of every American war and conflict beginning with the Revolutionary War — are buried.
Flags are placed by graves on the Saturday before Memorial Day, and the VA provides a list of ceremonies during the three-day holiday at many cemeteries. Some take place ahead of Memorial Day.
The U.S. Department of the Army oversees the Arlington National Cemetery — considered the nation’s most hallowed ground because of major figures who are buried there, including two U.S. presidents and Medal of Honor recipients such as Audie Murphy, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — and 25 other cemeteries.
Some National Park locations will be open for the holiday. The National Park Service oversees some national cemeteries, and it commemorates the day with ceremonies, speakers, and music. Volunteers and staff place American flags on marked graves to recognize the individuals who are buried there.
Memorial Day: Background and history
On a spring day in 1865, in Waterloo, New York, a druggist named Henry C. Welles watched as a lone widow walked to a cemetery and placed flowers on the grave of her deceased husband, who had died as a soldier in the Civil War.
Determined to ensure that those who had given their lives in service for their country would not be forgotten, Welles worked with Gen. John B. Murray, the county clerk who helped commemorate the event. According to the town’s website, Welles planned the first Memorial Day in Waterloo in 1866.
The tradition, originally known as Decoration Day, continued, and on May 26, 1966, as a centennial celebration of the event, President Lyndon Johnson named Waterloo the official birthplace of Memorial Day. It was later declared a national holiday in 1971.
“On this Memorial Day, it is right for us to remember the living and the dead for whom the call of their country has meant pain and sacrifice. A grateful nation is in their debt.”
—Lyndon Johnson, 1966
However, three southern cities also claim the origin of Memorial Day. Charleston, South Carolina, honored Union Army soldiers who were buried at a war prison on May 1, 1865.
Memorial Day was also believed to have started on April 26, 1866, in Columbus, Georgia, where the Ladies’ Memorial Association in Columbus wrote a letter to newspapers across the country asking people to come together to pay homage to the fallen soldiers from the American Civil War, according to the National Infantry Museum.
Memorial Day & travel: Info from AAA
Many Americans venture from their homes to celebrate the long holiday weekend. Flights are booked, and airports become busy.
People are also likely to drive out, and the American Automobile Association, a federation of motor clubs across the country that counts more than 60 million members, expects millions of Americans to travel.
Breaking it down, 39.4 million are expected to travel by auto, 3.61 million by air, and 2.08 million by other modes of transportation. That total would be the most since the same holiday period in 2005, when 44 million people traveled.
AAA also says the price of gas is expected to rise as demand picks up with more people traveling by car. During Memorial Day in 2024, the national average was about $3.57 a gallon. During the weeks leading up to the holiday, gas prices have remained relatively stable, selling for an average of $3.64 a gallon, according to AAA data.
During Memorial Day in 2024, the national average for regular gasoline was $3.59 a gallon.
📈 Memorial Day 2025 Mobile App Revolution & Retail Innovations – January 20, 2025
Research Date: January 20, 2025
🔍 Latest Findings: Major retailers are launching innovative mobile apps specifically for Memorial Day 2025. Walmart has introduced “Honor & Save,” featuring AI-powered shopping lists for memorial supplies and automatic veteran discounts. Target’s new “Red, White & Blue” app provides real-time inventory updates for flags, flowers, and patriotic decorations across all stores. Home improvement giants are joining the digital transformation – Lowe’s “Project Honor” app connects customers with local contractors offering free installation of flag poles and memorial gardens for Gold Star families. These apps have already seen 2.3 million downloads since their January launch.
📊 Updated Trends: The financial services sector is introducing groundbreaking Memorial Day initiatives for 2025. JPMorgan Chase has launched a “Veterans First” banking program offering zero-fee accounts and special Memorial Day cashback bonuses for military families. Cryptocurrency platforms are creating dedicated memorial tokens, with Coinbase introducing “Honor Coins” that can be donated directly to veteran charities. Insurance companies like USAA and Navy Federal are expanding their Memorial Day services to include free financial planning sessions for Gold Star families. Early data shows these programs have attracted over 500,000 new military-affiliated customers in Q1 2025.
🆕 New Information: Transportation companies are revolutionizing Memorial Day 2025 travel. Uber has launched “Rides of Remembrance,” offering free transportation to national cemeteries for veterans and their families throughout the holiday weekend. Airlines are implementing new baggage policies, with Delta, United, and American allowing free checked bags for anyone traveling with memorial wreaths or military honors. Greyhound and Megabus have introduced “Freedom Routes” with 50% discounts for travel to cities hosting major Memorial Day ceremonies. Additionally, rental car companies are reserving 10% of their fleet specifically for military families at discounted rates.
🔮 Future Outlook: Industry leaders predict Memorial Day 2025 will set new precedents for digital integration. QR code technology at gravesites will expand nationwide by Memorial Day 2026, allowing visitors to access multimedia tributes instantly. Retail analysts forecast that voice-activated shopping for Memorial Day supplies will account for 25% of all holiday purchases by 2026. The National Cemetery Administration is developing AI chatbots to help families locate graves and plan visits more efficiently. Environmental initiatives will also accelerate, with major retailers committing to 100% sustainable Memorial Day products by 2027, including solar-powered eternal flames and biodegradable wreaths made from recycled materials.
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🔄 Memorial Day 2025 Digital Innovations & Economic Impact – January 20, 2025
Research Date: January 20, 2025
🔬 Latest Findings: Major tech companies are revolutionizing Memorial Day 2025 commemorations with AI-powered memorial services. Google has launched “Heritage Memories,” allowing families to create interactive digital memorials for fallen service members using AI to restore and animate historical photos. Apple’s new “Honor Guard” app enables augmented reality experiences at veteran gravesites, displaying service records and personal stories when scanning headstones. Meanwhile, economic data shows Memorial Day weekend 2025 is projected to generate $8.2 billion in retail sales, a 12% increase from 2024, with home improvement and outdoor recreation leading growth categories.
📈 Updated Trends: The gig economy is transforming Memorial Day services with new platforms emerging for cemetery maintenance and flag placement. TaskRabbit reports a 340% increase in Memorial Day-related service requests, while Thumbtack has created a dedicated “Honor Heroes” category connecting volunteers with veteran organizations. Financial institutions are expanding their Memorial Day initiatives – Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have collectively pledged $50 million in grants to veteran memorial organizations for 2025. Additionally, cryptocurrency donations to military charities have surged 85% year-over-year, with major exchanges waiving transaction fees for Memorial Day charitable contributions.
💡 New Information: Transportation infrastructure is adapting to Memorial Day 2025’s record travel projections. Amtrak has added 28 additional trains on popular routes and introduced “Honor Express” services with discounted fares for military families. Major airports including Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, and LAX are implementing dedicated TSA lanes for veterans and active military. Electric vehicle infrastructure has expanded significantly, with Tesla opening 200 temporary Supercharger stations along Memorial Day travel corridors. The National Weather Service has launched enhanced Memorial Day forecasting, providing cemetery-specific weather updates for flag placement volunteers.
🚀 Future Outlook: Industry analysts predict Memorial Day 2026 will see the first holographic memorial ceremonies, allowing remote family members to virtually attend graveside services. Retail technology is advancing with AI-powered shopping assistants specifically trained for Memorial Day purchases, helping consumers find appropriate flowers, flags, and memorial items. The Department of Defense is developing blockchain technology to create permanent, tamper-proof digital records of military service accessible during memorial visits. Environmental sustainability will become central to future observances, with biodegradable memorial products expected to capture 40% of the market by 2027, and solar-powered electronic candles replacing traditional grave decorations.
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📈 Updated Content & Research Findings – January 11, 2025
Research Date: January 11, 2025
🔍 Latest Findings: Recent consumer behavior analysis for Memorial Day 2025 shows a significant shift in shopping patterns, with 68% of Americans planning to start their holiday shopping earlier than previous years. Major retailers are responding by launching Memorial Day sales as early as mid-May. New data indicates that outdoor recreation equipment sales are projected to increase by 23% compared to 2024, driven by the camping and RV travel boom. Additionally, veterans organizations report a 15% increase in volunteer registrations for cemetery flag placement ceremonies, reflecting growing community engagement in honoring fallen service members.
📊 Updated Trends: The restaurant and hospitality industry is adapting to Memorial Day 2025 with innovative offerings. Quick-service restaurants are introducing special military tribute meals with proceeds supporting veteran charities. Food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats are partnering with local restaurants to offer free delivery on orders to military families. Hotel chains are expanding their military discount programs, with Marriott and Hilton offering up to 25% off for active duty and veterans. The trend of “staycations” continues to grow, with local tourism boards reporting 30% more inquiries about Memorial Day weekend activities within driving distance.
🆕 New Information: Technology is playing a larger role in Memorial Day 2025 commemorations. The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a new mobile app allowing virtual grave visits and digital flower placement at national cemeteries. Major social media platforms are introducing special Memorial Day filters and donation stickers benefiting military charities. Additionally, electric vehicle charging networks are preparing for increased demand, with ChargePoint and Electrify America adding temporary charging stations along major travel routes. New federal legislation passed in late 2024 provides additional funding for Memorial Day ceremonies at smaller veterans’ cemeteries previously overlooked.
🔮 Future Outlook: Looking ahead to Memorial Day 2026 and beyond, experts predict continued evolution in how Americans observe the holiday. Virtual reality memorial experiences are being developed to allow remote participation in ceremonies. The travel industry anticipates sustained growth, with cruise lines adding special Memorial Day voyages featuring military history programs. Retail analysts forecast that Memorial Day will increasingly rival Black Friday for major appliance and outdoor furniture sales. Environmental considerations are also emerging, with biodegradable flags and eco-friendly grave decorations gaining popularity among environmentally conscious Americans honoring veterans.
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🔄 2025 Memorial Day Travel Surge & Gas Price Trends – 2024-12-19
Research Date: 2024-12-19
🔬 Latest Findings: AAA’s 2025 Memorial Day forecast reveals that 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel 50+ miles from home during the holiday weekend, marking the highest travel volume since 2005. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with 39.4 million traveling by car, 3.61 million by air, and 2.08 million by other modes. Current gas prices averaging $3.64 per gallon are slightly higher than 2024’s Memorial Day average of $3.59.
📈 Updated Trends: The travel industry is experiencing a robust recovery with Memorial Day 2025 set to break 20-year records. Airlines are expanding capacity and routes to accommodate the 3.61 million air travelers. Hotels and vacation rentals are reporting strong booking rates, particularly in coastal and mountain destinations. The trend toward extended weekend trips (4-5 days) continues to grow, with many Americans using remote work flexibility to extend their holidays.
⚡ New Information: Major retailers are adjusting their Memorial Day strategies for 2025. While Costco maintains its closure policy, competitors like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale are testing limited holiday hours in select markets. Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods are offering special Memorial Day delivery windows. Additionally, new TSA PreCheck enrollment centers have opened at 15 airports to handle increased traveler volumes, and several states have announced toll-free highways for the holiday weekend.
🎯 Future Outlook: Travel experts predict continued growth in Memorial Day travel through 2026-2027, driven by pent-up demand and improved consumer confidence. Gas prices are expected to stabilize around $3.50-$3.75 through summer 2025. The hospitality industry is investing in infrastructure improvements to handle peak holiday crowds. New memorial sites and veteran cemeteries are scheduled to open in 2025-2026, including expansions at existing national cemeteries to accommodate growing visitation during Memorial Day observances.
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