Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?

Memorial Day, which falls on Monday, May 30, is a federal holiday and most government workers have the day off, according to the Office of Personnel Management.

The holiday always falls on the last Monday of May and is a day of remembrance for those who died in the service of the United States. By tradition, citizens are encouraged to pause for a moment of silent reflection at 3 p.m. on the day.

Memorial Day became a recognized federal holiday in 1971 but can trace its history back to the 1860s and the American Civil War. A few years after the conclusion of the war, a flower laying ceremony, then known as Decoration Day, was held at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868, at the behest of Union veterans.

Arlington National Cemetery still hosts ceremonies to honor the fallen every Memorial Day. During the preceding weekend, soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment lay American flags at more than 228,000 headstones. On the day, the president places a wreath on The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.

The next federal holiday is also the newest addition to the list, only being added last year. Juneteenth National Independence Day is on Sunday, June 19. Most federal employees will have the following Monday off work.

In Other News

What the Cyber Workforce bill means for federal IT professionals

President Biden signed the Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act into law, offering agencies a practical solution to the cyber staffing crisis—if they act proactively.

Talks over remote work for US Treasury employees suspended, union says

NTEU said it wants the bureau to return to negotiations on the pilot program as envisioned in the original agreement.

Setbacks with new health records system have ‘shaken’ VA secretary

The $16 billion project has faced numerous setbacks in recent years.

Defense electronic health records rollout is halfway done, even as VA’s is delayed

DoD remains on schedule to deploy its Genesis electronic health records system worldwide by the end of 2023.

Defense agencies among worst for disclosing contracting needs

General Services Administration received the highest score. Marine Corps Systems Command and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command won honorable mentions.

Norcross to bring back tougher ‘Buy American’ legislation that rankled allies

A group of U.S. allies is again urging key House lawmakers to oppose any proposals to tighten federal “Buy American” requirements through the annual defense authorization bill.

Paul to oppose small business program Pentagon uses to spur innovation

A key U.S. lawmaker says he will oppose reauthorization of federal small business innovation grants favored by the Pentagon, raising doubts about how Congress will avert their expiration Sept. 30.

VA to delay electronic medical records deployment to additional sites until 2023

VA sites in Portland and Seattle were scheduled to start work with the new system later this year.

Federal call center employees protest over wages at Maximus headquarters

Workers at a federal call center run by Maximus Inc. planned to deliver a letter signed by 12,000 community supporters to the company’s management, asking for higher wages and better health benefits.

For federal retirees, COLA is not a retirement panacea for inflation

For January 2022, COLA jumped to 5.9%, the largest since 1982. Some may be wondering how much it will be adjusted for 2023 as prices have been rising since April.

Load More