How are Memorial Day and Veterans Day different? Who gets day off in California?
The United States observes several patriotic holidays throughout the year.
Memorial Day is one of the nation’s federal holidays, serving as both a day of remembrance and the unofficial start of summer.
What’s the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? Who gets the day off from work or school in California?
Here’s what to know about the upcoming holiday:
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When is Memorial Day in 2026?
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday in May.
In 2026, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25.
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day honors U.S. military service members who died while serving the country, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Memorial Day is commemorated with ceremonies, flags, parades and moments of remembrance across the United States.
The holiday, which was formally established in 1868 under the Memorial Day Act, was originally known as a Decoration Day.
“The modern proclamation calls on Americans ‘to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace,’” the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said.
How is Memorial Day different from Veterans Day?
According to the United Service Organizations, the country’s leading organization supporting service members and their families, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are not the same holiday.
“Understanding the nuances of Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day might seem confusing at first” since they “both honor the military community,” the organization said.
However, these two federal holidays “couldn’t be more different.”
While Veterans Day honors all those who served in the military, Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, according to the United Service Organizations.
Who gets Memorial Day off work and school in California?
In California, Memorial Day is a public school holiday, according to California Education Code 37220.
That means all public schools are required to close.
Federal and state employees also get the day off, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
However, California law does not require private employers to give workers the day off or observe Memorial Day as a paid holiday.
If a company closes for Memorial Day or offers paid time off, it’s because of a company policy, a union agreement or an employment contract, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
“There is nothing in the law that mandates an employer pay an employee a special premium for work performed on a holiday, Saturday or Sunday,” the state department said.
What’s closed for Memorial Day 2026?
In 2026, federal, state and local government offices — including public schools and libraries— will be closed for Memorial Day across California.
Agencies including the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed, along with most banks.
Holiday hours at privately owned businesses — including grocery stores and pharmacies — can vary by location, so check with your local store before heading out.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How are Memorial Day and Veterans Day different? Who gets day off in California?."
