Memorial Day, a federal holiday that honors and remembers those who died while serving in the United States Military, is being observed on Monday with somber memorials and parades to honor their ultimate sacrifices.
This day holds a special place in the hearts of Americans as it is a time to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. It is a day to remember their courage, dedication, and selflessness in protecting our nation’s freedom and values.
As we observe Memorial Day, it is important to understand the significance of this holiday. It was first observed after the Civil War, when the nation was mourning the loss of over 620,000 soldiers. The holiday was originally known as “Decoration Day” and was a time for families and communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. It was officially declared a federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed on the last Monday in May.
On this day, we honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We remember the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and all other conflicts in which American soldiers have served. We also pay tribute to those who continue to serve and protect our nation today.
As Memorial Day is a federal holiday, many entities will have abbreviated hours or will be closed completely. This may lead to questions about what is open and what is not. Here is a roundup of what to expect on this important day:
Retailers will mostly remain open for the holiday, with many offering major sales and discounts. However, some retailers may have adjusted hours due to the holiday, so it is best to check with your local store. One major retailer that will not be open is Costco, as the whole store observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Sam’s Club, on the other hand, will be open to its members on Memorial Day.
Most grocery stores will also be open for the holiday, but with reduced or limited hours. Popular chains like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Mariano’s, Aldi, and Jewel Osco have all previously remained open for Memorial Day. While Whole Foods only lists Christmas Day as the holiday for a complete closure, Aldi stores may have adjusted hours, with some stores closing at 6 p.m. instead of the usual 8 p.m.
Banks and other financial institutions will be closed on Memorial Day, so it is important to plan accordingly. The U.S. Postal Service will also be closed, and there will be no mail delivery on this day. Public libraries in Illinois will not be open, and state office buildings, including the Secretary of State Office’s Driver’s Service facilities, will also be closed.
As we honor the brave men and women who have given their lives for our country, let us also take a moment to thank and support those who continue to serve in the military today. Their sacrifices and dedication to protecting our nation’s freedom should never be forgotten.
On this Memorial Day, let us come together as a nation to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, to remember their courage and sacrifice, and to honor their memory. May their legacy live on forever in the hearts of all Americans.
