Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27 in 2019. The state and federal holiday honors the men and women killed while serving in the U.S. military and many businesses along with government offices are closed.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day features many traditions, including parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, barbecues, festivals and other outdoor events, not to mention beach and park trips since it also marks the unofficial start of summer. A one minute national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m.
When is Memorial Day each year?
The holiday was initially celebrated on May 30 each year, but in 1968, Congress passed Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which gave federal employees a three-day weekend.
Now, Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May. In 2020, Memorial Day falls on May 25 and in 2021 it will be observed on May 31.
The next federal holiday — Independence Day — falls on Thursday, July 4.
Is there mail delivery on Memorial Day? Is the U.S. Postal Service open?
The U.S. postal service will not deliver mail on Monday.
Memorial Day is one of 10 holidays observed by the postal service.
What about UPS an FedEx deliveries on Memorial Day?
FedEx does’t deliver except for its custom critical service. There is also no UPS delivery on Monday.
Are Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target open on Memorial Day 2019?
Yes, those stores will be open for business for any last-minute barbecue needs, and they’re all running Memorial Day weekend sales. Check your local store to make sure the regular hours aren’t shortened due to the holiday.
Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target will all be open with regular hours on Monday.
What about other major retailers like Costco, BJs and Best Buy on Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is one of seven days this year that Costco stores will be closed.
BJ’s will close at 10 p.m. - an hour earlier than normal on a Monday.
Best Buy stores around New Jersey will open for holiday shopping.
Are shopping malls and supermarkets open on Memorial Day?
Yes. Generally, it will be business as usual at nearly all malls and supermarkets including Whole Foods and Wegmans. Some spots, such as the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, will close several hours earlier than normal.
Are banks open on Memorial Day?
While nearly all banks are closed, a few might choose to stay open. Memorial Day is one of 10 holidays each year observed by the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States.
Will the stock market be open on Memorial Day?
Both major U.S. stock markets are closed - the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ in observance of the holiday.
What about courts on Memorial Day?
All federal, state, county and municipal courts in New Jersey will be closed on Memorial Day.
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Though their names would seem to make the two holidays’ meanings self-explanatory, there remains some confusion. Memorial Day honors our war dead, while Veterans Day recognizes military veterans.
Veterans Day always is observed on Nov. 11.
Is Memorial Day a state holiday in New Jersey?
Yes, Memorial Day is a state holiday in New Jersey — which means all government offices that are considered non-essential are closed. Public schools are closed and most private schools will also give students and staff the day off. Memorial Day is one of 12 state holiday and the next is July 4th.
What is the schedule for NJ Transit, PATH and SEPTA on Memorial Day?
NJ Transit trains will run on a weekend schedule. The bus schedule will vary by line. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail is following a Saturday schedule while the River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
PATH trains will operate on a Sunday schedule with the Journal Square-33 Street and Newark-World Trade Center lines in service.
SEPTA buses, trains, and trolleys plan to follow a Sunday schedule, too.
Are Motor Vehicle Commission offices open?
No. Memorial Day is the fifth of 12 holiday observed by state Motor Vehicle Commission offices this year. The next holiday for the MVC is July 4 - Independence Day.
Motorists can still conduct many transactions online, though.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman.
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