Is Memorial Day a Floating Holiday?
Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors those who have died while serving in the country’s military. The question of whether Memorial Day is a floating holiday has been a topic of debate among many Americans. In this article, we will explore the concept of a floating holiday and determine if Memorial Day fits this category.
A floating holiday is a holiday that does not have a fixed date on the calendar and is instead observed on a specific weekday, regardless of the actual date on which it falls. This means that the holiday can occur on any day of the week, depending on when the weekday falls in relation to the actual date of the event it commemorates.
Understanding Memorial Day
Memorial Day is traditionally observed on the last Monday of May each year. It was first established in 1868 to honor the Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. Over time, the holiday expanded to include all Americans who have died while serving in the military. While the date of Memorial Day is fixed, the question remains whether it can be considered a floating holiday.
Is Memorial Day a Floating Holiday?
The answer to whether Memorial Day is a floating holiday is yes, but with a twist. While the holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, the actual date of Memorial Day can vary from year to year. This is because the last Monday of May can fall on any day of the week, depending on the year.
However, the fact that Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May means that it is not a true floating holiday. A true floating holiday would be one that is observed on a specific weekday, regardless of the date it falls on the calendar. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a floating holiday, as it is always observed on the third Monday of January, regardless of the actual date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Memorial Day is observed on a specific weekday (the last Monday of May), it is not a true floating holiday. The actual date of the holiday can vary from year to year, but it is always observed on the last Monday of May. This distinction is important for understanding the nature of Memorial Day and its place in the calendar of federal holidays in the United States.
