Memorial Day in the United States is an important national holiday that falls on the last Monday of May every year. In 2025, it will be observed on May 26. The day is set aside to honour the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the US military. As it’s a federal holiday, many businesses and services will be closed. If you’re living in the US or planning to visit during this time, here’s a simple guide to what will be shut and what will stay open on Memorial Day.
A Brief Look at Memorial Day’s History
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It began in 1868 after the Civil War to remember Union soldiers who had died. It was started by a group called the Grand Army of the Republic. Over time, it came to be known as Memorial Day and officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Today, it honours all American soldiers who have died in military service, as confirmed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Post Offices Will Be Closed
The United States Postal Service (USPS) observes Memorial Day every year. On May 26, 2025, all post offices will be closed, and no mail will be delivered. However, one service—Priority Mail Express—will still be running as usual, even on the holiday. So if you’ve used this service, you won’t see any delays.
UPS and FedEx Operations on Memorial Day
UPS delivery and pickup services will not be available on Memorial Day. Most UPS Store locations will also be closed, but since some stores may choose different hours, it’s best to call ahead to check.
FedEx will also pause its normal pickup and delivery services. However, FedEx Custom Critical, which handles urgent and time-sensitive shipments, will still run 24/7. Like UPS, some FedEx offices may have shortened hours, so customers should confirm with their nearest location.
Banks Will Be Shut on Memorial Day
Most major US banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and others, will close their branches on May 26. Even though they are not required by law to shut on federal holidays, most still do.
Other banks like Capital One, PNC, and Truist are also expected to close. Online banking and ATMs will still work, but in-person services won’t be available. So, if you need to do any banking, make sure to complete it before the holiday.
Retail Stores Like Costco Will Be Closed
Some big retailers will also close their doors on Memorial Day. For example, Costco is shutting more than 600 stores across the US. This may affect your shopping plans, so it’s a good idea to check your store’s schedule in advance.
On the bright side, Memorial Day is also known for its special sales and discounts. Stores like Dollar Tree may offer good deals before the holiday, so keep an eye out if you’re planning to shop.
Memorial Day is not just a day off—it’s a time to remember and respect those who gave their lives for the country. On May 26, 2025, many services will pause in honour of this important day. Post offices, banks, and delivery services like UPS and FedEx will largely remain closed. Big retailers like Costco will also take a break. If you have important tasks, it’s better to finish them before the holiday. And don’t forget—there will also be plenty of Memorial Day sales to enjoy in the days leading up to the holiday.