Memorial Day May 26, 2025

Memorial Day

Today we"re honoring Americans who gave their lives in military service. Originally known as Decoration Day, the tradition began in the late 1860s after the American Civil War. Communities held springtime tributes by decorating the graves of fallen Union soldiers with flowers. Over time, it expanded to commemorate all US military personnel who died in wars. Locals observe the day with ceremonies and parades across the country.

© Dennis Govoni/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

May 26, 2018Honoring the first American woman in space
May 26, 2019Racing toward history
May 26, 2020It s tree-climbing season
May 26, 2021Behold the blood moon
May 26, 2022Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica
May 26, 2023Wat Sri Sawai in Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand
May 26, 2024Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Feb 13, 2024Mardi Gras
May 23, 2025World Turtle Day
Mar 23, 2020A peak in the clouds
Jul 30, 2020International Day of Friendship
Mar 13, 2019A look at Uranus, seventh planet from the sun
Nov 15, 2022River otters at Acadia National Park, Maine
Oct 21, 2021Here s looking Atchafalaya
Oct 29, 2022Sea Slug Day
May 28, 2022Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Australia
Sep 17, 2023Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
Oct 1, 2021What s better than a smile?
Sep 1, 2022Wildlife crossing, Wierden, Netherlands
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
Jan 30, 2021Even nature needs a backup plan…
Jun 4, 2018Lighting it up for Vivid Sydney
May 26, 2025Memorial Day
Apr 8, 2023The Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Jan 29, 2019A winter’s holiday ends
Oct 29, 2024Great horned owl
Jan 8, 2018Gardens by the Bay nature park, Singapore
Nov 10, 2023Badlands National Parks 45th anniversary
Apr 2, 2018Seven Magic Mountains art installation, Jean Dry Lake, Nevada
Jan 27, 2019A memorial in Germany
Sep 23, 2024Sea Otter Awareness Week
Sep 11, 2025Patriot Day
Sep 28, 2023World Maritime Day
Apr 20, 2020In the Garden of Europe
Aug 6, 2021Looking down upon Edinburgh
Oct 5, 2023World Teachers Day
Sep 30, 2019Wheels up in Beijing