Memorial Day 2021 is on Monday, May 31.
It’s an American holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, and it is always observed on the last Monday of May. Traditions usually include attending parades and family barbecues.
Originally known as Decoration Day during the Civil War era, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Here is everything to know about Memorial Day 2021.
Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Memorial Day is the fourth federal and state holiday of the year. It is one of several holidays whose date changes each year in accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Others include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Is the post office open on Memorial Day 2021?
No. United States Postal Service offices will not be open.
Does the mail run on Memorial Day 2021? Is there mail delivery?
There will be no regular mail delivery on Memorial Day.
FedEx and UPS also will not be delivering, except for UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical.
Are banks open on Memorial Day 2021?
Most banks will be closed.
The following banks are scheduled to be closed on Memorial Day, according to Banks.org.
Are grocery stores open on Memorial Day 2021?
Most supermarkets will remain open with regular or reduced hours.
Shoppers should ultimately check with their local supermarket for specific information on opening and closing hours, as it can vary by location.
The following major supermarket chains in New Jersey are scheduled to be open on Memorial Day:
- Acme (7 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
- Aldi (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- BJ’s Wholesale Club (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Foodtown (varies by store)
- Lidl (8 a.m. to 9 p.m)
- Sam’s Club (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- ShopRite (varies by store)
- Stop & Shop (6 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- Target (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Trader Joe’s (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Walmart (7 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
- Wegmans (7 a.m. – 12 a.m.)
- Whole Foods (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
The following major supermarket chains in New Jersey are scheduled to be closed on Memorial Day:
What stores are open on Memorial Day 2021? When do stores close?
Here is a roundup of major stores’ hours for Memorial Day, according to their websites and lists on places like Good Housekeeping, Yahoo! and Country Living.
Note: Shoppers still should ultimately check with their local store in the event hours vary by location.
- Barnes and Noble (9 a.m. – 9 p.m)
- Bed Bath & Beyond (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- CVS (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
- Dick’s Sporting Goods (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Dollar Tree (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Gap (varies by store)
- Hobby Lobby (9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
- Home Depot (6 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
- JCPenney (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Kohl’s (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Lowe’s (6 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
- Macy’s (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- Marshalls (9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
- Michaels (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Nordstrom (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Nordstrom Rack (varies by store)
- Old Navy (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Petco (9 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
- PetSmart (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
- Rite Aid (varies by store)
- T.J. Maxx (9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
- Ulta (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Walgreens (varies by store)
- Walmart (7 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
What are the best Memorial Day 2021 sales?
There are plenty of online sales for Memorial Day. Here are just a few:
And here’s a list of sales broken down by specific category:
Are restaurants open on Memorial Day 2021?
Most restaurants should be open for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Patrons should check with specific restaurants for exact hours and information.
ThePioneerWoman.com has compiled a list of 25 chain restaurants that will be open.
Is the stock market closed on Memorial Day 2021?
The New York Stock Exchange will be closed on Monday. Nasdaq trading and bond markets also will be closed.
Does NJ Transit, PATH and SEPTA operate on a normal schedule?
NJ Transit and SEPTA will have holiday or special services in effect. For NJ Transit, riders should use NJ Transit’s online trip planner to double-check arrival and departure times. PATH will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Are New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission locations open on Memorial Day 2021?
All Motor Vehicle Commission offices will be closed. Additionally, all New Jersey state offices and courts are closed.
Online processing of some documents are also available on Motor Vehicle Commission’s website.
When is the next federal holiday?
The next federal holiday is Independence Day on Sunday, July 4, 2021. (It will be federally observed on July 5.)
For more information about the history of Memorial Day, check out the video below:
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Nicolette Accardi can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips
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