Confederate Memorial Day
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Confederate Memorial Day, also known as Confederate Decoration Day (Tennessee) and Confederate Heroes Day (Texas), is an official holiday and/or observance day in parts of the U.S. South as a day to honor those who died fighting for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Eight states officially observe Confederate Memorial Day: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.[1]
States and dates observed
| State | Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Fourth Monday in April [2] | The surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston to Union General William Sherman on April 26, 1865. |
| Arkansas | Third Monday in January [3] | Robert E. Lee's birthday (state holiday combined with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). |
| Florida | April 26 [4] | See remarks at Alabama. |
| Georgia | April 26 [5] | See remarks at Alabama. |
| Kentucky | June 3 [6] | Jefferson Davis's birthday. |
| Louisiana | June 3 [5] | Jefferson Davis's birthday. |
| Maryland | First Saturday of June | |
| Mississippi | Last Monday in April [7] | See remarks at Alabama. |
| North Carolina | May 10 [5] | The death of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in 1863 and the capture of Confederate president Jefferson Davis in 1865. |
| Pennsylvania | Second Saturday in May | Observed by the Pennsylvania Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. |
| South Carolina | May 10 [8] | See remarks at North Carolina. |
| Tennessee | June 3 [5] | Jefferson Davis's birthday. |
| Texas | January 19 [5] | Confederate Heroes Day. In 1973, the Texas legislature combined the previously official state holidays of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis' birthdays into a single "Confederate Heroes Day" to honor all who had served the Southern Cause. In some years, this date may coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. State offices are partially staffed in recognition of this day. |
| Texas | April 26 [5] | Confederate Memorial Day. Texas' official holiday is named Confederate Heroes Day and is celebrated on January 19. However, many local communities and Southern historical organizations within the state also observe a separate "Confederate Memorial Day" on April 26. |
| Virginia | Last Monday in May [5] | Same as Memorial Day. |
