Where do Americans go for Memorial Day?

US people observe Memorial Day on the May’s last Monday each year, while the day will be celebrated on May 26 this year. On this day, US nationals honour the national hero and sacrificed people who served and died in the military.

National cemeteries and memorials, such as Arlington National Cemetery, are among the popular destinations to visit. Families often visit local cemeteries to place flags and flowers on graves, while many go to beaches, lakes, or parks for barbecues and picnics. Some people take road trips or attend sports events. The day also marks sales, drawing shoppers to malls and outlets.

Over the Memorial Day holiday period, possible record 45.1 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home from May 22 to May 26 this year while the previous record was set back with 44 million people in 2005.

Moreover, the numbers of domestic travel forecast increased to 1.4 million travellers compared to last year, setting a new Memorial Day weekend record.

This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travellers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record.

What is the history of Memorial Day?

Although the US established the Memorial Day as a federal holiday in 1971, Americans started to recognise the day in 1868, with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during service.

American people started holding honours in the spring after the Civil War. On this day, they also decorate the graves with flowers and honour the estimated 620,000 fallen soldiers of the war by reciting prayers.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day, a reminder of the brave men and women who served our country and gave their lives for our freedom, honors the sacrifice and loss of those who served and died in the military.

The Memorial Day will be observed on May 26 this year (2025) while May 25 in 2026, May 31 in 2027 and May 28 in 2028.