Memorial Day 2026: Flags to fly at half-staff in every state
Summer is here with Memorial Day’s three-day weekend.
Observed on the last Monday in May each year, Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of warmer months with a long weekend known for barbecues, yard work and pool openings to honor the day of remembrance for military members who died in service.
The solemn day, recognized as one of the 11 federal holidays in the calendar year, is acknowledged across the country with flags lowered to half-staff under the established nationwide tradition. It is one of the few times flags are lowered in every state.
However, it is up to individual employers to decide whether they offer time off or additional pay for work on federal holidays.
Find the full list of 2026 federal holidays below:
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday, January 19
Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16
Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
Independence Day: Saturday, July 4
Labor Day: Monday, September 7
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (also observed as Columbus Day): Monday, October 12
Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
Other important days to note:
Valentine’s Day: Saturday, February 14
St. Patrick’s Day: Tuesday, March 17
April Fools’ Day: Wednesday, April 1
First Day of Passover: Wednesday, April 1
Good Friday: Friday, April 3
Easter: Sunday, April 5
Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 10
Father’s Day: Sunday, June 21
Halloween: Saturday, October 31
First Day of Hannukkah: Friday, December 4
Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24
New Year’s Eve: Thursday, December 31
