Governor Newsom Proclaims May 26 as Memorial Day in California

Photo Credit: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

SACRAMENTO, May 26, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a formal proclamation recognizing May 26, 2025, as Memorial Day in the State of California, according to the Office of the Governor.

In his official proclamation, Newsom called on Californians to honor the memory of those who died in service to the United States, emphasizing the tradition’s origins following the Civil War. Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, was formalized by Major General John A. Logan through a “Memorial Day Order” urging Americans not to forget “the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

Newsom noted that remembrance ceremonies would take place at the state’s three veterans' cemeteries, nine national veterans' cemeteries, and at local memorials throughout California. These events are intended to honor the memory of the fallen and reaffirm the state’s commitment to support living veterans.

“We pay tribute to them with our enduring gratitude and respect, never forgetting the sacrifice they made to protect the rights and freedoms we hold so dear. We honor them with our commitment to respecting and caring for the veterans who are still with us, their brothers and sisters in arms,” said Newsom.

The Governor ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and grounds in California on Memorial Day. He also invited residents to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m., a nationwide moment of silence to honor fallen service members.

Read the full proclamation here.

Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom