Say What? In 1968 this Act was approved by Congress which moved certain holidays from when traditionally observed, to a Monday to create three-day weekends. One of the victims was Memorial Day in my opinion. Prior to this everyone observed Memorial Day on May 30, with the ritual of going to the cemeteries placing flowers, etc. Over time, people began to spread out going to the cemeteries over a three week period, if it all. And that is my two-cents worth!