“The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
— Abraham Lincoln (1863)
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and commemorating the men and women of the Armed Forces who lost their lives while serving the nation. Observed annually on the last Monday of May, the holiday provides an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and national gratitude toward those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Established after the Civil War under the name “Decoration Day,” the observance began as a tradition of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Over time, Memorial Day evolved into a national commemoration recognizing all military personnel who died in service to the United States. To read and learn more about Memorial Day, Amy and Leon Kass (2013) guide readers through its meaning by presenting a rich collection of historical addresses and speeches throughout history. Hudson Institute PDF
Observances for Memorial Day 2026
New York (Albany)
Schedule for Memorial Day Observances – Albany, NY
Albany Memorial Day Observances
California (Santa Barbara)
Annual Memorial Day Program – Goleta Cemetery
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 9:00 AM
Location: Goleta Cemetery, 44 S San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara, CA
Organizers: AMVETS Santa Barbara Post 3 & Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218
This is a traditional service honoring fallen service members, featuring patriotic music, wreath presentations, veteran speakers, and moments of remembrance HappeningNext.com.
Madonnari Chalk Art Festival
Dates: May 23–25
Location: Old Mission Santa Barbara. Free public event with chalk murals, food, and live music at the historic Mission Plaza dkgroupsb.com.
Florida (St. Petersburg)
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System – Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This annual tribute honors deceased U.S. service members and draws thousands of attendees. The ceremony takes place rain or shine.
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art – Memorial Day Tribute
Monday, May 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free admission is offered for veterans, active military personnel, and Gold and Blue Star families with in-person ticket pickup.
CrossFit9: Memorial Day Tribute Workout
Monday, May 25, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
A commemorative workout honoring fallen soldiers, accompanied by military remarks and community participation.
Chicago
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Monday, May 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.
Richard J. Daley Center Plaza (50 W. Washington St.)
The ceremony included a 21-gun salute, yellow roses for Gold Star families, and a performance by the 484th Army Band.
Memorial Day Parade
The parade stepped off at noon along Dearborn Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. Participants included veteran groups, marching bands, and JROTC cadets, with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Major Janet Sandoval. For additional information visit: City of Chicago Memorial Day Parade
National Observances:
National Moment of Remembrance
Americans are encouraged to pause at 3:00 p.m. local time in remembrance of those who gave their lives in military service.
National Memorial Day Concert (PBS)
PBS Memorial Day Concert
Veterans Legacy Memorial
The Veterans Legacy Memorial offers memorial pages for more than 4.3 million veterans interred in VA national cemeteries, where visitors may post written tributes.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Watch streamed remembrance ceremonies and storytelling programs through the museum’s official channel.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Organizations:
- Wounded Warrior Project — Provides mental health programs, career counseling, and wellness activities for post-9/11 veterans and their families.
- The American Legion — Offers peer support, advocacy, and emergency relief resources for veterans and families.
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Assists veterans and their families with filing claims for VA benefits and accessing services.
- Blue Star Families — Supports military and veteran families through career development, caregiving resources, and networking opportunities.
- National Military Family Association (NMFA) — Advocates for and supports military families facing the unique challenges of military life.
References:
Kass, A. A., & Kass, L. R. (2013). The meaning of Memorial Day. What So Proudly We Hail/Hudson Institute.
Lincoln, A. (1863, November 19). Gettysburg Address. National Archives. National Archives
