Published: May 26, 2023
Memorial Day commemorates the women and men who have died while in military service, and it will be observed this year on May 29, 2023, the last Monday in May as designated by Federal law (36 U.S.C. 116).
Sacred Service – A service member salutes while helping to place U.S. flags at every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., during Flags In, May 26, 2022. The pre-Memorial Day tradition to honor the nation’s fallen heroes dates to 1948. (Source: Department of Defense )
“Today, America's—American servicemembers stand watch around the world and, as many of you know, at—often at great personal risk. And this Memorial Day, we know the memory is still painful of all the fallen who lost their lives during the last two decades in combat. Each of them leaving behind a family, a community. Hearts broken by their absence, and lives that will never be the same. We see in the hundreds of graves here in Section 60, at Arlington, a reminder that there's nothing low-risk or low-cost about war for the women and men who fight it.”
Begun in the late 1860s as Decoration Day, spring flowers were distributed at graves to honor those fallen in the Civil War. By the end of the 19th century, ceremonies were being held in cities across the country. In 1966, the Federal Government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. (Source: The Origins of Memorial Day, Department of Veterans Affairs )
Public Law 106-579, signed into law December 28, 2000, created the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance, and it designated 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day each year as the ‘‘National Moment of Remembrance." At this time, all Americans are encouraged to pause wherever they are for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
On Memorial Day, Presidents continue to commemorate those who have died in service to the country by visiting Arlington National Cemetery and speaking to the nation. Search our site to read Memorial Day remarks from other Presidents at Arlington National Cemetery in the Compilation of Presidential Documents collection.
While Memorial Day holds a special significance, honoring the memory of fallen heroes and supporting their families and veterans should be a year-round commitment. Many organizations and individuals dedicate themselves to assisting veterans and their families, ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who served are never forgotten. As we gather with loved ones, let us take a moment to express our gratitude for the selflessness and unwavering dedication of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May their memory forever inspire us to strive for a better world.
Related Resources
- Tour the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier online.
- Check out the website of the National Memorial Day Museum.
- Learn more about American memorials with the American Battle Monuments Commission.
- Consider supporting a Veteran Service Organization or nonprofit.