Memorial Day: Monday, May 27, 2024
Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all members of the United States armed forces who have died serving our country in war; from the Revolutionary War up to the present. Communities and individuals throughout the country mark the day with events and activities such as parades, concerts, visits to memorials and cemeteries, and the laying of wreaths and flowers.
History of Memorial Day
Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday began during the Civil War (1861-65) on the local level in many states, with citizens placing flowers on fallen soldiers' graves. After World War I, the day came to be called Memorial Day and was held in remembrance of all members of the U.S. military who had died in war. In 1971, the date of the holiday was standardized as the last Monday in May.
Livestream Events
You can watch a livestream of the 2024 National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C. starting at 5:00 PM PST on Sunday, May 26, the day before Memorial Day. You can also watch a livestream of the National Memorial Day Parade down Constitution Avenue starting at 11:00 AM PST on Monday, May 27.
Memorial Day Weekend in San José and the Bay Area
The City of San José, including all SJPL locations, will be closed May 27 in observance of the holiday.
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. The San Jose Museum of Art will be open on Memorial Day. Do you know that you can get in for free with your San José Public Library card using Discover & Go? There's also a variety of free public art available around San José to celebrate our veterans like the San Jose Vietnam War Memorial or the Veterans Memorial in Downtown.
Below are books and ebooks about Memorial Day, available through SJPL.
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