ExcelNotes

Memorial Day in USA
2025-05-26
Memorial Day in the United States is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, it had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service.
Table of Contents

When is Memorial Day?
The History of Memorial Day?
What Do People Do on This Day?
The American Civil War

When is Memorial Day (USA)?
Memorial Day is a federal public holiday in the United States and it is observed on the last Monday of May. The following is the list of Memorial Day in the United States.

HolidayDateWeekday

Memorial DayMay 25, 2020Monday

Memorial DayMay 31, 2021Monday

Memorial DayMay 30, 2022Monday

Memorial DayMay 29, 2023Monday

Memorial DayMay 27, 2024Monday

Memorial DayMay 26, 2025Monday

Memorial DayMay 25, 2026Monday

Memorial DayMay 31, 2027Monday

Memorial DayMay 29, 2028Monday

Memorial DayMay 28, 2029Monday

Memorial DayMay 27, 2030Monday

Memorial DayMay 26, 2031Monday

Memorial DayMay 31, 2032Monday

Memorial DayMay 30, 2033Monday

Memorial DayMay 29, 2034Monday

Memorial DayMay 28, 2035Monday

Memorial DayMay 26, 2036Monday

Memorial DayMay 25, 2037Monday

Memorial DayMay 31, 2038Monday

Memorial DayMay 30, 2039Monday

Memorial DayMay 28, 2040Monday

Memorial DayMay 27, 2041Monday

Memorial DayMay 26, 2042Monday

Memorial DayMay 25, 2043Monday

Memorial DayMay 30, 2044Monday

Memorial DayMay 29, 2045Monday

Memorial DayMay 28, 2046Monday

Memorial DayMay 27, 2047Monday

Memorial DayMay 25, 2048Monday

Memorial DayMay 31, 2049Monday

The History of Memorial Day (USA)?
The history of Memorial Day in the United States is deeply rooted in the nation's past, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began as a way to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War. The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and necessitated the establishment of the country's first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, many communities had started holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
The first widespread observance of Decoration Day is believed to have been 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. The holiday originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I, the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars.
For many years, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. This change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. Today, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all who have died in military service to the United States.

What Do People Do on This Day?
On Memorial Day in the United States, people engage in various activities to honor and remember those who have died in military service. Here are five common ways to celebrate:
Participating in National Moment of Remembrance: The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
Flying the Flag: It's common to see the U.S. flag displayed prominently on Memorial Day. The flag is traditionally raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It's then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
Wearing Red Poppies: Inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields," people wear red poppies on Memorial Day as a symbol of remembrance and honor for those who have died in wars.
Visiting Cemeteries and Memorials: Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly military ones, to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. It's a tradition to decorate graves with American flags, flowers, and personal mementos.
Attending Parades: Many towns and cities hold Memorial Day parades that feature military personnel and veterans, as well as marching bands and other community organizations.
These activities are ways in which Americans express their gratitude and respect for those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of their country.
The American Civil War
The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was a defining event in the history of the United States. The primary cause of the Civil War was the contentious issue of slavery, particularly its expansion into newly formed states and territories. The Northern states, where slavery was largely prohibited, opposed its expansion, while the Southern states wanted to maintain and extend it.
The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, who was seen by the South as opposed to the expansion of slavery, triggered a secession crisis. Eleven Southern states seceded from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America (South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina).
The Civil War included numerous key battles and campaigns. The Battle of Gettysburg was particularly significant as it represented a major turning point, halting the Confederacy's advance into the North. In 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared the freedom of all enslaved people in Confederate-held territory. This executive order reframed the war's purpose as not only preserving the Union but also abolishing slavery.
The Civil War concluded with the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9, 1865.
The end of the war ushered in the Reconstruction era, during which the Southern states were gradually reintegrated into the Union, and efforts were made to protect the legal rights of the newly freed African Americans. The American Civil War profoundly affected the American identity, shaping issues of race, equality, and federal authority that continue to influence the United States. It remains the deadliest military conflict in American history, with an estimated 620,000 soldier deaths and countless civilian casualties.

Spring Bank Holiday
2025-05-26
The Spring Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom is a popular time for relaxation, outdoor activities and community events.
Table of Contents

When is Spring Bank Holiday?
The History of Spring Bank Holiday?
What Do People Do on This Day?

When is the Spring Bank Holiday?
The Spring Bank Holiday is observed on the last Monday of May each year in the United Kingdom.
The following is the list of the Spring Bank Holiday from 2020 to 2049.

HolidayDateWeekday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 25, 2020Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 31, 2021Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 30, 2022Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 29, 2023Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 27, 2024Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 26, 2025Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 25, 2026Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 31, 2027Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 29, 2028Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 28, 2029Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 27, 2030Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 26, 2031Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 31, 2032Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 30, 2033Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 29, 2034Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 28, 2035Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 26, 2036Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 25, 2037Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 31, 2038Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 30, 2039Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 28, 2040Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 27, 2041Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 26, 2042Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 25, 2043Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 30, 2044Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 29, 2045Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 28, 2046Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 27, 2047Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 25, 2048Monday

Spring Bank HolidayMay 31, 2049Monday

The History of the Spring Bank Holiday?
The Spring Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom has a history that reflects the country's transition from religious observances to a more secular approach to public holidays.
Originally, the holiday was known as Whit Monday, the day after Pentecost, which is observed 50 days after Easter, so Whit Monday's date varied each year.
In medieval and early modern England, it was a day for church services and community celebrations.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, Whit Monday's religious significance began to wane as fewer people observed it in a strictly religious sense. It became more of a general public holiday for leisure and rest.
In 1971, Whit Monday was replaced by the Spring Bank Holiday, fixed to the last Monday of May. This change was made to provide a consistent and predictable long weekend, free from the variability of the religious calendar. A fixed holiday at the end of May aligned better with the seasonal rhythm and the growing preference for leisure-oriented holidays.
What Do People Do on This Day?
The Spring Bank Holiday in the United Kingdom, observed on the last Monday of May, is a popular time for relaxation, outdoor activities, and community events.
Families and friends take advantage of the warmer weather for outdoor meals in parks, gardens or countryside locations.
Many use the long weekend to tend to their gardens, planting flowers or vegetables as the weather becomes more favorable.
As a traditional summer sport, local cricket matches are a common feature of the day. Some communities hold sports competitions, often including fun races and games for children.
The long weekend is an opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Some may prefer to stay home and unwind, enjoying leisurely breakfasts, catching up on reading or watching movies.

National Heroes' Day (TCI)
2025-05-26
National Heroes' Day in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a public holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions and legacies of national figures who have significantly shaped the islands' history, development, and identity.
When is National Heroes' Day?
National Heroes' Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May.
The following is the list of National Heroes' Day from 2020 to 2049.

HolidayDateWeekday

National Heroes' DayMay 25, 2020Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 31, 2021Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 30, 2022Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 29, 2023Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 27, 2024Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 26, 2025Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 25, 2026Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 31, 2027Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 29, 2028Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 28, 2029Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 27, 2030Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 26, 2031Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 31, 2032Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 30, 2033Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 29, 2034Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 28, 2035Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 26, 2036Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 25, 2037Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 31, 2038Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 30, 2039Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 28, 2040Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 27, 2041Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 26, 2042Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 25, 2043Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 30, 2044Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 29, 2045Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 28, 2046Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 27, 2047Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 25, 2048Monday

National Heroes' DayMay 31, 2049Monday

The History of National Heroes' Day?
National Heroes' Day was established by the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to celebrate those who played pivotal roles in shaping the territory's social, political, and cultural life.
It replaced Columbus Day as a public holiday, aligning with broader Caribbean trends to celebrate local heritage over colonial history. The shift aimed to foster national pride and appreciation for the achievements of Turks and Caicos Islanders. Other heroes may be recognized in the future for their contributions across education, governance, cultural preservation or social advocacy.
The first person officially named a National Hero was J.A.G.S. McCartney, the country's first Chief Minister, recognized for his bold leadership and advocacy for self-determination.
J.A.G.S. McCartney was born on June 30, 1945 and died on May 9, 1980 in a plane crash in New Jersey, USA. McCartney was a visionary leader and activist who championed the cause of self-governance, youth empowerment, and social reform in the 1970s. He became the first Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands in 1976 at the age of 31, under the new constitution that allowed for elected governance.
During his tenure, he worked to strengthen local leadership and lay the foundation for a more autonomous and people-centered government.
