Memorial Day 2026

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Today we are observing Memorial Day here in the United States. Throughout the long weekend there are parades, services, celebrations, and events to remember those who died in service to our nation. We all know too well that it is not always easy to be a surviving veteran and receive the help and services needed to thrive in society. In honor of Memorial Day and our living veterans, we wanted to take a look at VA blogs reporting some of the good happening in innovation, technology, mental health, and healthcare.

VA News

Memorial Day Facts

  1. Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honouring those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
  2. Memorial Day was not an official federal holiday in 1971 on the last Monday of May.
  3. Each year, Americans are called to pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country in wars both at home and abroad.
  4. Through all the fanfare and the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day itself continues to be among the most important national observances in big cities and small towns across the country.
  5. Memorial Day is one of the few days flags are ordered to fly at half-staff then full-staff.
  6. In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.

Happy Memorial Day!