Are Colleges Closed On Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is celebrated annually in the United States to honor those who died while serving in the United States armed forces. Because it’s one of the federal holidays, many are curious to know if schools will be closed.

Are Colleges Closed on Memorial Day?

As a federal holiday, Memorial Day prompts the closure of many schools, including public and private institutions, typically close in observance of this holiday. However, it is important to note that school calendars can vary, so it is best to check with your specific school or school district to confirm whether they will be closed on Memorial Day.

What is  Memorial Day?

Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States that is held every year on the last Monday in May to mourn the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces during the American Civil War. In memory of these individuals, there is a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. Schools, the government, and many businesses are closed on Memorial Day.

On Memorial Day, cities and towns organize parades and ceremonies for communities to celebrate the lives of those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place American flags on the graves of military personnel in national cemeteries. After these events, families take time to visit the graves or monuments dedicated to their loved ones before gathering with friends and family for barbeques and picnics. Because of the time of year when Memorial Day occurs, it is considered to be the unofficial start of summer.

Memorial Day barbeques and backyard picnics traditionally have foods like hamburgers, corn on the cob, and potato salad. Desserts are often red, white, and blue like the colors of the American flag. In Pittsburgh, Memorial Day begins with a parade and ends with a fireworks display.

What is open and closed on Memorial Day?

Along with schools, many other places across the country are expected to be closed. Here’s what’s open and closed on Memorial Day:

Mail Services: The US Postal Service does not deliver mail on Memorial Day and post offices will be closed. Most FedEx services will also be closed. FedEx Custom Critical service will remain open and FedEx Office locations will operate on modified hours.

Memorial Day is a banking holiday, and the Federal Reserve Bank will be closed. Most banks will be closed, but ATMs and online banking will be available for use.

Retail: Most retailers will remain open on Monday. Big-name stores — Walmart, Target, and most grocery stores — will be operating. Check with local outlets to see if they are open or operating at different hours.

Stock markets: The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets will be closed.

Garbage: Trash pickup will vary. Check with your local provider.

DMV: Department of Motor Vehicles offices across the U.S. will be closed.

Courts: Courts will not be in session.

Grocery stores: Most grocery stores will remain open.

What to say instead of “Happy Memorial Day”

Knowing the best way to address Memorial Day is important. Whether you’re asking a peer casually about their weekend plans, or formally promoting an upcoming sale to customers, it could be awful to say the wrong thing.

Here are fifteen meaningful things you can say this Memorial Day.

• Honoring our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day.
• In remembrance of our heroes this Memorial Day.
• Freedom does not come easy. The liberties we enjoy today came from heavy sacrifice.
• I wish you a beautiful Memorial Day weekend.
• We wish you a meaningful and memorable Memorial Day.
• Wishing you a blessed Memorial Day.
• Freedom doesn’t come overnight. Home of the free because of the brave.
• We will remember our fallen service members with pride this Memorial Day.
• Take a moment this weekend to honor those lost while serving our nation.
• Thinking of those no longer with us.
• Pausing to remember Memorial Day’s purpose.
• Bless everyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one today.
• Remembering all our heroes in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country.
• Never forget the price paid to get the independence we have today.
• To the loved ones we have lost, you’re in our hearts and minds. Your service is not forgotten.

Conclusion

Memorial Day is often associated with the start of summer, discount sales, and cookouts with friends. But you have the power to educate those around you and take a few moments to pay tribute to the fallen while still enjoying the sunshine and outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it appropriate to say “Happy Memorial Day”? Memorial Day intends to honor friends and family who died while serving their country. It’s often a solemn day of remembrance. Although your intentions may be well-meaning, it may be insensitive to wish someone a happy day if they’re grieving the loss of loved ones.
2. Is Memorial Day only for dead soldiers? Yes, Memorial Day is only for dead soldiers. It honors service members who have died in military service to the nation.
3. What is the military meaning of Memorial Day? Memorial Day honors America’s military men and women who lost their lives in service to their country.