Memorial Day is a very special day for many Americans. It’s a federal holiday honoring American soldiers who died fighting for the country. People enjoy parades, picnics, and various tributes. Although, for some people, it’s just a three-day weekend, and that’s okay, too. If you’re going to be out and about, then you might find yourself wondering what’s open / closed on Memorial Day 2021.
Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday that the government recognizes as a time to honor and grieve the American military veterans who died during duty. Most governments, including those of historical times, have some form of recognition for their fallen heroes. In America, we began recognizing a form of Memorial Day as far back as the Civil War. However, in the 1970s, the federal government made it official: Memorial Day is a federal holiday.
When Is Memorial Day 2021?
Memorial Day is always held on the last Monday of May. This year, that happens to also be the last day of the month. Therefore, Memorial Day 2021 will be Monday, May 31, 2021. Many people and places celebrate this as a three day weekend, starting after work on Friday and continuing through the end of day Monday.
What’s Closed on Federal Holidays
Memorial Day is one of ten annual federal holidays the government recognizes in America. On those days, government services and organizations shut down. Of course, our police forces and hospitals keep working. However, things like banks shut down. In fact, federal holidays are often called bank holidays. Since Memorial Day 2021 is one of those federal holidays, lots of things do close on that day.
What’s Closed on Memorial Day 2021
Generally speaking, you can expect the following things to be closed on Memorial Day 2021:
- Banks and credit unions
- Stocks and bonds markets
- Schools for all ages
- The United States Post Office including mail delivery
- Courthouses and other government offices
- Professional offices such as those of lawyers and doctors
- Libraries
- Motor Vehicle Department
What’s Open on Memorial Day 2021?
Although all of those types of places shut down for Memorial Day, there are many types of places that remain open. You can expect most retail stores to stay open on Memorial Day 2021. In fact, many of them will have holiday weekend sales. Do note, however, that the services inside big chain stores might not stay open. For example, bank branches, pharmacies, vision centers, and other similar services inside of stores like Target, Sams’ Cub, and Walmart might close on Memorial Day 2021 even though the stores themselves are open. And do note that there are somme exceptions; for example, Costco closes for Memorial Day.
Also note that small, independently-owned stores might choose to close for Memorial Day. That’s entirely up to them. If you’re in doubt, call in advance. Most stores that do choose to open on Memorial Day 2021 will keep regular store hours. However, you can also call about that just to be sure.
Some of the other types of places and services that are open on Memorial Day 2021 include:
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- ATMs
- Local, state and national parks
- Cafes and restaurants
- Many museums
- Movie theaters and other entertainment venues
Of course, note that in some places there are closures and restrictions due to COVID-19.
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Read More:
- Are Banks Open on Memorial Day 2021?
- Is The Post Office Open on Memorial Day 2021?
- Is Target Open on Memorial Day 2021?
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