Amman – The U.S. Embassy in Amman will be closed on Sunday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. The Embassy will resume normal operations hours on Monday, May 26.
Memorial Day began after the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865) when communities and veterans organizations decorated the graves of soldiers killed in that war. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress to be commemorated on the last Monday in May.