Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 25, 2020.  It is a Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May, and commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service.

Pay tribute to the U.S. men and women who died during military service by observing a national moment of remembrance with a minute of silence at 3:00 PM local time.

Memorial Day Versus Veterans Day

What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is meant for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle, or as a result of a wound sustained in battle.

Veterans Day is intended to thank all those who have honorably served in the military – in wartime or peacetime.

National Moment of Remembrance

The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence for a minute at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. The 3 pm time was chosen, because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. It is intended to be a unifying act of remembrance for Americans of all ages. The National Moment of Remembrance Act became law in the year 2000.

There are many ways to observe the National Moment of Remembrance, both formally and informally. The moment of silence can be observed more formally at places such as a veterans cemetery, park, picnic ground and can include the playing ‘Taps’, the military bugle call that reflects on the glory of those who have shed blood for us. A bell can also be rung at the beginning and end of the one minute of remembrance. If you are driving and unable to stop turn you can on your headlights for a minute.