What's open and closed on Memorial Day? Grocery stores, banks and Costco
Memorial Day 2024: What's Open or Closed?
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, a mix of stores, government offices, and businesses will either be open or closed. While government buildings like post offices and courts will be shut, most retailers plan to remain open, enticing customers with big sales. Notably, Costco will close for the day. Memorial Day marks the start of the summer travel season, with AAA predicting a significant increase in travel compared to previous years.
What specific stores and businesses are mentioned as being open on Memorial Day 2024?
Based on the information provided, the following stores and businesses are mentioned as being open on Memorial Day 2024:
- Target
- BJ's Wholesale Club
- Publix
- Aldi (limited hours)
- Winn-Dixie
- Walmart
- McDonald's
- Applebee's
- Benihana
- Bob Evans
- Bonefish Grill
- Boston Market
- Carrabba's Italian Grill
- Chili's
- Cracker Barrel
- Denny's
- Golden Corral
- IHOP
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- McCormick & Schmick's
- Noodles & Company
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Panera Bread
- P.F. Chang's
- Red Lobster
- Romano's Macaroni Grill
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Yard House
- Arby's
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Burger King
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Domino's
- Five Guys
- In-N-Out Burger
- KFC
- Papa John's
- Pizza Hut
- Potbelly
- Shake Shack
- Sonic Drive-In
- Starbucks
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Best Buy
- Crate & Barrel
- IKEA
- Lowe's
- Macy's
- The Home Depot
- T.J. Maxx
- Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Barnes & Noble
- Bath & Body Works
- Bass Pro Shops
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Dick's Sporting Goods
- Gap
- Kohl's
- Marshalls
- Old Navy
- Pottery Barn
- Ross
- Sears
- Sephora
- Williams-Sonoma
- CVS
- Duane Reade
- Rite-Aid
- Walgreens
- 7-Eleven
How has the historical context and celebration of Memorial Day evolved over the years?
Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, originated in the years following the American Civil War and was established as a federal holiday in 1971. Its primary purpose was to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday's roots can be traced back to various local observances and tributes held in towns and cities across the United States, with the practice of decorating soldiers' graves with flowers being a common element6.
The first national commemoration of Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. This event was initially meant to honor only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. However, after World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for federal employees5. This change went into effect in 1971, and the same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
Over time, Memorial Day has become associated with the unofficial start of the summer season, with many people participating in leisure activities, such as picnics, barbecues, and travel. Despite this shift in focus, many still observe the original purpose of the holiday by visiting cemeteries, memorials, and participating in parades to honor fallen soldiers.
In conclusion, Memorial Day has evolved from a solemn remembrance of those who died in the Civil War to a more inclusive celebration honoring all American military personnel who have lost their lives in service. While the holiday has taken on additional meanings and customs over the years, its core purpose remains to honor and remember the sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. military.