The United States recognizes eleven federal holidays, including Memorial Day.
The list is established in federal law and includes holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Memorial Day is one of the eleven holidays for which many federal institutions close and federal employees generally receive paid leave.
The list is not identical to every state’s holiday calendar, and private employers are not universally required to close or provide holiday pay. When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, its observed date may move to a Friday or Monday for many federal workers.
Memorial Day is especially distinct because its purpose is remembrance of military personnel who died in service. Veterans Day, another federal holiday, honors all people who served in the U.S. armed forces.