Memorial Day 2024; what's closed, open, how to mark holiday

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times
Specialist Phillip Morris performed in the Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in 2019 in El Paso.
Specialist Phillip Morris performed in the Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in 2019 in El Paso.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 27.

It is one of several dates that honor the armed forces during May. Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

El Paso has a strong military community that also is supported by many throughout the city. And many people take the time to go to Fort Bliss cemetery to visit the graves of deceased veterans and relatives.

Here is what you need to know about Memorial Day, how to mark it and what will be closed.

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is Monday, May 27. The holiday always falls on the last Monday of May.

Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?

Yes. It is one of 11 permanent federal holidays in the United States.

Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and commemorates those who died serving the United States. Though the holiday's origins are not exact, it did start after the Civil War.

In 1868, Gen. John Logan sent out an official order that designated May 30 as a day of remembrance for those who died serving in the Civil War. On the first Decoration Day, 20,000 graves at Arlington Cemetery were decorated, and future President James Garfield gave a speech.

By 1890, all Northern states recognized Decoration Day as a holiday. But Southern states chose to honor those who died in the Civil War on separate days. These differences continued until after World War I, when the holiday changed to honor Americans who died fighting in any war, not just the Civil War.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed the date of Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May. This act also established President's Day on the third Monday in February (formerly celebrated on Feb. 22) and Columbus Day on the second Monday in October (formerly celebrated on Oct. 12).

Is the post office open on Memorial Day?

All post offices will be closed for retail transactions and there will be no regular residential or business mail deliveries on Monday, May 27, the USPS confirmed to USA TODAY.

Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.

Are banks closed for Memorial Day?

Branches of Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Memorial Day, the companies confirmed to USA TODAY. GECU locations will be closed.

Is Target open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Target stores will be open on Memorial Day, the company told USA TODAY. Store hours vary by location, so check with your local store regarding its specific holiday hours.

Is Walmart open on Memorial Day?

Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Memorial Day, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. However it is best to reach out to your local Walmart or check the online store directory before heading to the store.

Is FedEx open on Memorial Day? Will packages be delivered?

Most of FedEx's pickup and delivery services will not be available on Memorial Day, according to the company's website. FedEx Office hours will also be modified, so it is best to check with your local store for their specific hours.

FedEx Custom Critical, however, is available 24/7, according to the company.

Fallen Agent Memorial Service on Friday, May 24

The El Paso Sector will hold its annual Fallen Agent Memorial Service at 9 a.m. Friday, May 24 at the National U.S. Border Patrol Museum, 4315 Transmountain Road.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, May 25, the celebration continues with the National Centennial Parade in Downtown. The parade will start and stop at the El Paso Convention Center and circle San Jacinto Plaza.

Flag placement at Fort Bliss cemetery

Many Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will be placing American flags at the gravesites Saturday, May 25, at the Fort Bliss Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. The scouts start about 7:30 a.m. with a short ceremony.

The Memorial Day ceremony will be at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the cemetery.

Are spray parks open on Memorial Day weekend?

The city's Parks and Recreation Department will open the Spray Parks during Memorial Day weekend.

The city's nine spray parks will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Sue Young Spray Park, 9730 Diana Drive

  • Hidden Valley Spray Park, 200 Coconut Tree Lane

  • Grandview Spray Park, 3100 Jefferson Ave.

  • Pavo Real Enhanced Spray Park, 9301 Alameda Ave.

  • Westside Community Spray Park, 7400 High Ridge Drive

  • Marty Robbins Spray Park, 11600 Vista Del Sol Drive

  • Braden Aboud Memorial Spray Park, 4325 River Bend Drive

  • Salvador Rivas Jr. Spray Park,12480 Pebble Hills Blvd.

  • Chamizal Community Spray Park, 2119 Cypress Ave.

Dog parents can take their pets to city’s only spray park for dogs, K-9 Agent Bulder Memorial Dog Spray Park, which is part of the Pavo Real Spray Park located at 9301 Alameda.

In addition to spray parks, the city operates two splash pads located at:

  • San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W Mills Ave.

  • El Paso Zoo Hunt Family Desert Springs, 4001 E. Paisano Drive (Now open with paid admission)

Spray parks are activated by visitors accessing water flow controls on the playground. The spray parks are free and open to the public. Swimming attire is not necessary but is recommended.

Residents who notice non-functioning spray parks or facilities that need maintenance are asked to call 311 or send an email to ParksAndRecreation@elpasotexas.gov.

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María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @EPTMaria on Twitter.USAToday contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Memorial day 2024 how to celebrate, what's open, closed

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