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Here are some of the unforgettable activities that will become one of your favorite memories.

Up close with bears

Immerse yourselves in the world of grizzly bears like never before! Fly to the world-renowned locations for Alaska bear viewing & photography – Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park.

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For those adventurous souls ready to spend an entire day exploring Alaska’s beauty, our backcountry tour to Knik Glaciers is an unbeatable experience of nature’s wonders.

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Dreaming of witnessing the Aurora Borealis? Opt for our 4-night Northern Lights packages, featuring hotels offering special Northern Lights wake-up calls, with the Aurora Train ride through Denali National Park.

The dos and don'ts of visiting Russia for the first time

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

These top tips can help you make the most of your visit to Russia © MarinaDa / Shutterstock

The world’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find that perseverance  and a sense of humour will go a long way in enriching your first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding common pitfalls when visiting  Russia .

DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival

Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including the UK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.  Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here . 

You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune. Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written according to European calendar convention (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa. 

DO check the events calendar

During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, both cities are festive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to September is the best time to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city is irresistible, with the White Nights revelry at its peak.

DO dress up for a night out

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men. Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.

DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet

Making an effort to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus, even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital tools like the Russian Metro app  and Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.

Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russia as much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need to hails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental. 

DO expect to spend your money

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay. If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.

You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great value and very filling. Several years ago the trend for " anti-cafes " cropped up in larger Russian cities, and there are still a few where you pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time. 

Food markets  that blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of  vendor stalls. Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes. 

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka

Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka , and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic are anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.

DON’T be disrespectful in a church

Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s also required for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

DON’T take photos of government buildings

Be very careful about photographing stations, official-looking buildings and any type of military-security structure – if in doubt, don’t snap! Travelers have been arrested and fined for such innocent behaviour.

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police

Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square , who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.

If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated. 

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow    How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway    Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train   

This article was originally published in August 2009.

This article was first published Oct 30, 2019 and updated Sep 24, 2021.

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Moscow, Russia

You are here, about moscow.

Moscow is unlike any other city on Earth. It is the wealthy economic center for one-sixth of the world's land mass and has over 120 ethnic groups and nationalities. A diverse and vibrant city with a strange combination of traditional Russian architecture and newer Soviet tastelessness, Moscow is an adventure waiting to happen!

Reasons to travel to Moscow

But what makes it so popular among tourists is the concentration of Moscow attractions. When you travel to Moscow you definitely want to see the red-bricked walls of the Kremlin , to take a picture in front of St. Basil's Cathedral , and probably visit the world-famous Bolshoi Theater . All of these places are located within a very small area around Red Square , so seeing them on a walking sightseeing tour of Moscow is convenient and allows you to avoid traffic jams.

The concentration of Moscow's main sights is one of the facts that make this city a world-class tourist destination. The majority of its attractions is centered in one small area, and the Kremlin is the hub of this concentration.

These sights extend into the realm of fantasy and are a must to put on your Moscow itinerary: the colorful domes of the Cathedral of St. Vasily the Blessed, the neo-gothic consumer wonderland that is the GUM , or state department store, and the timepiece of Russia's New Year's celebrations, the Spassky clock tower, all tower over the beautiful Red Square.

The neighboring Kitay-Gorod, or "Basket-Town" (likely a reference to the construction method of the city walls surround it), remains a significant concentration of traditional Russian structures serving as a commercial center. The Bolshoi Theater, the Lubyanka, and the hotels that tower above the Manege Square all are situated within the Boulevard Ring, an urban open-space doubling as a heavily-trafficked roadway created after the Great Fire of 1812, the one that left Napoleon's Army starving deep within wintry Russia.

Moscow transport system

As Europe's largest metropolis, and the 5th largest city in the world, Moscow comes with its share of traffic blunders. It seems that all of the world's most expensive black cars are here, and that most of the city's car owners do not understand the difference between sidewalks and parking lots. Still, while the traffic situation leaves much to be desired, the Moscow subway is superb.

The advanced Metro system carries up to 3 million passengers a day and its trains run every few minutes. With stations that could rival art museums, the Metro is one of Moscow's great must-see sights. Travel in Moscow Metro at least once to see that there is nothing like it in the world.

Best time to visit Moscow

The peak of the Moscow travel season is May through September. However, you may prefer to savor Moscow tourism delicacies during the low travel season. The snowy winter months offer just as many entertainment options as one can find during summer.

You can celebrate New Year's Eve or see Russia's biggest ice rink on Red Square, taste blinis or visit one of the numerous winter markets. Any popular St. Petersburg - Moscow tour hides a handful of memorable experiences the whole year round!  

Although the best time to visit Moscow is from May to September, the city in winter still enchants with its towers and lights. Its great celebrations on the day of the October Revolution (held on November 7, a discrepancy resulting from the difference between the traditional Russian Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar in use around the world today), and New Years Day make it the place to be. Of course, the best way to plan your trip is through one of our package tours to Moscow. If you are planning a trip to Russia , don't hesitate to contact our experienced travel experts who'll be glad to help.

Best Things to Do in Moscow

• Explore the Kremlin and the gorgeous Red Square
• Get acquainted with Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery
• See the "underground palaces" down in Moscow metro

Top Attractions in Moscow

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

Moscow's most well-known cloister with golden domes, untouched since the 17th century.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

Over 1000 years of Russia's finest art from Rublev to Shishkin, over 150 000 exhibits of religious and modern art.

All Attractions in Moscow

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Russia is open for international travelers regardless their citizenship/country of residence. Tourist visas are being issued in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, EU, Japan, and worldwide. Electronic visas (up to 16 days of stay, single entry) are available for the following nationals: Austria, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Croatia, Cyprus, China, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican, Vietnam.

You can bring foreign currency and exchange money freely in Russia. You can open a bank account and g et a debit card in one hour time, once you will have arrived, we assist.

Medical insurance is available for international travelers through Russian insurance companies.

International flights to Moscow and St Petersburg are available via Tbilisi (Georgia), Yerevan (Armenia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai & Abu-Dhabi (UEA), Doha (Qatar), Algiers (Algeria),Tehran (Iran), Muscat (Oman), Cairo (Egypt), Astana & Almaty (Kazakhstan), Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Qingdao & Xian (China), Delhi (India), Colombo (Sri-Lanka), Male (Maldives). Information changes frequently, please inquire.

Trans-Siberian travels can fly in/out Vladivostok via Beijing (China), Harbin (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Trans-Siberians taking off in Irkutsk/Lake Baikal, fly to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Dushanbe (Tadjikistan), Namangan (Uzbekistan), Osh (Uzbekistan), Beijing Daxing (China), Bangkok (Thailand), Ulaaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Explore the best travel destinations in Russia with our wide range of sightseeing tours to Moscow, St Petersburg, Golden Ring, Kazan; Northern Lights viewing tours; wildlife & nature tours to Lake Baikal tours, Altai, Kamchatka tours, Trans-Siberian train tours, and more. Find the best guided trips and expert planned Russian holidays 2023-2024.

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Is it possible to visit Russia as a tourist right now? (Q&A)

Who can enter Russia as a tourist?

At present, people from 80 countries can enter Russia. There are two main conditions: first, one must be a citizen of that country or have a permanent residence permit; and second - one needs to enter Russia by plane. The primary document that regulates entry during the coronavirus pandemic is Order no. 635-r (March 16, 2020), which is regularly updated. 

Some of the countries on the list include the United States, Britain, Greece, Germany, Tunisia, Israel, Japan, Armenia, Qatar, Portugal, Mexico, Croatia, Belgium, China, France, Denmark, New Zealand, Iran, Peru, Norway and Argentina. Click here for the full list. 

In the meantime, any country with which Russia currently has a travel agreement can serve as the port of departure (however, the transit country must be on the above list).

What type of visa is required?

Those who already have a valid Russian visa - and citizens of the above countries - can enter Russia using that visa. Those who do require a visa can submit their documents at the Russian consulate in their home country.

What is still not possible at this point is obtaining a unified electronic visa (a type of visa that is valid for up to 16 days, takes only four days to process and does not require submitting any documents relating to the purpose of visit). Therefore, in order to receive a regular tourist visa (valid up to six months) it is necessary to have a confirmed accommodation booking or an agreement with a travel agency.

Is a COVID test required?

Yes, PCR tests must be performed no earlier than 48 hours before arriving in Russia. The results must be printed in Russian or English (this is required even if you received a Sputnik-V vaccine shot). If you’re flying with children, they, too, must obtain a test, irrespective of age. And a form for arrivals must be filled in before entering the country.

Who is not affected by the rules? 

These restrictions don’t apply to foreigners with a valid Russian residence permit or those with close relatives. They can enter Russia from any country using any means of transportation, including by land.

They also do not apply to partially recognized republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as citizens of Belarus (or those with Belarusian permanent residence permits), Kazakhstan and citizens of the Donetsk and Lugansk national republics. Entering by land is also possible when traveling from Mongolia or China. 

Furthermore, if Eurasian Economic Union citizens cross over by land, they don’t have to submit a coronavirus test or fill out the arrivals form. 

Is vaccination required? 

No. The QR codes required for visiting public gatherings before spring (including cafes, bars, hotels, etc.) are no longer required in the majority of regions. The same goes for various other COVID restrictions: regions have the final say, but almost all have been lifted.

What about masks?

Masks are also no longer a requirement. However, some regions still require people to wear masks in some places, including stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, movie theaters and so on. In Moscow, the rule on masks has been completely lifted, while, for example, in Kaliningrad, some places still enforce them. 

Are there any quarantine regulations in place?

No, you will not be required to quarantine on arrival to Russia. However, if you get sick in Russia, you will have to be quarantined for a period of seven days at your own expense. Those who have come in contact with infected people do not require quarantining (provided they did not contract the coronavirus). 

Important! In many countries, there are still restrictions on LEAVING for the purpose of tourism, so having a Russian visa does not guarantee you will get permission to leave your country. This must be clarified before making any trips.

The information listed here is valid as of June 1, 2022. 

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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ALASKAN DISCOVERY RV TOURS RV Caravans to Alaska - the Last Frontier

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    2024   35 day Tour dates are:    

  (Tour 1) June 1th to July 5th     (3 spots still available)

  (Tour 2)  July 27th to August 30th   (2 spots just came available) Contact us to be put on a waiting list

We ask you to arrive two days early so our mechanic can inspect your rig and put mesh over your radiator. We also have group meetings each afternoon as an orientation and Q&A time. The spots are reserved for you, so just come on in.

Highlights of Tour 1 & Tour 2:

  Tour One:  SPRINGTIME/SUMMER...View the Midnight Sun. Plenty of baby animals, Less Bugs, Arctic Flowers, Spawning Salmon, Best Fishing for Halibut & Salmon, Northern Lights, Warms Quickly under the Midnight Sun & More Time to Explore Alaska after the Tour, Plus enjoy the 4th of July in Homer, Alaska.

  Tour Two :  SUMMER/FALL.... Arctic Flowers, Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, Lots of Animals, Active Bear Viewing Stand, Alaska State Fair, Fall Leaves & Tundra, "a Carpet of Beautiful Changing Colors", Spawning Salmon, Fabulous Fishing

Historic & Educational.............Caravan Leader & Lectures by Associate Professor & Research Historian, Gilbert "Spike" Fortier.  Chairman for the:  Institute for the Study of Glacial Retreat and Global Warming.  Author of Numerous Books & Narrator of over 20 Travel Tapes on the History of:   "Alaska and the Yukon" including "Fishing in Alaska".

Featured in:  "Trailer Life Magazine", "Alaska Magazine", RV Life Online Magazine & Truck Camper Magazine"

Alaskan Discovery RV Tours   are 35 days long, beginning in Hazelton, British Columbia and ending in Homer, Alaska.    Our routes are carefully planned and organized to show you the most attractions at a comfortable pace.   You will see all the sights British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska have to offer.  By the end of the 36 days, you will have seen all of RVing in Alaska. You may then choose to continue exploring and re-visiting your favorite places in Alaska (as many do) before going home in small friendly groups right down the Alaska Highway following our easy and informative return trip planner.  Or, for no charge you may follow us back down the ALCAN to the starting point where we will meet our next tour.

Our 2024 RV Caravan Tour Price is only $11,587 for one rig, two people and includes:     All RV Parks, starting Hyder, Alaska our first day, all 118 Tours & Events listed on the "Itinerary" Page, Research Historian Wagonmaster with full narration while driving and lectures, Health-care BLS, CPR & AED trained personnel, Pet sitting/walking, Bulk Fuel Discounts, Certified RV Tech, Tailgunner couple, free Wi-Fi available at most RV parks we attend & Satellite Phone for emergencies, 4 Group Dinners, Alaskan Owned & Operated since 1991, plus so much more.   We have more fun than anyone else.......  Call us if you have any questions or would like to sign-up for the Caravan... Call our office 800 842 7764 or email [email protected] we will hold your spot while you mail in the $500 deposit and registration.  Don't miss out on the Adventure of a Lifetime.  See you soon, Spike

Explore Alaska's stunning Interior & Coastlines this summer.   You will return to nature with breathtaking scenery, dramatic waterfalls, stunning Glaciers and the freshest of mountain air.   You will be amazed at the wonderful places we stay, the historic cities, charming villages, local cuisine and fantastic hospitality.   Alaskan Discovery RV Tours operates under a permit from the USDA Forest Service. In addition, we are a member of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, the Alaskan Travel Industry Association. We have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for years and were approved as meeting BBB Online standards. We have been nominated for BBB "2018 & 2019 Business of the Year" Torch Award. We hope you find the information on this web site helpful but please do not hesitate to call us at 800-842-7764 if you have any questions.

Why Choose Alaskan Discovery RV Tours?

We limit our caravans to 20 rigs which allows us to make your tour a dream vacation. Our groups form friendship bonds that last a lifetime and we are known for seeing and doing much more than most other caravans as we travel throughout Alaska. Because everything is planned in advance, you know what to expect and so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, adventures and friendships caravan travel brings. Plus, we truly do have more fun than anyone else!

Please Compare

While we believe our tours are the best, you should look around to find the caravan company that best suits your interests and needs.   We are not the most expensive nor the cheapest, but the best with what we offer and the tours we visit.  When you compare us and what we provide; places we visit and tours we take you will see a big difference between us and all other caravans to Alaska.  Most other Caravans have one time hired Wagonmasters and round-trip itineraries.  They lack the experience in Alaska and count going home as part of the tour to make the trips seem longer and more worthwhile. 

Meet our past customers at our Florida rally and hear directly from them how wonderful and educational our Caravans to Alaska are.  Our photo section goes back 3 years and covers all tours each summer.  Visit them to see where we go and what we do in photo album style.

Explore our Website

To learn more about our RV tours to Alaska, please use the links on the left to explore our website.  Be sure to take a look at the wonderful Testimonials from some very happy customers!

Our Business Relationships

We are proud to do business with the following organizations & encourage you to explore what they have to offer – click on their logo to visit their web site.   We recommend GOOD SAM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE they can respond to anywhere we travel on the tour and can always be reached by our wireless or international phone systems.

Alaskan Discovery RV Tours 645 G Street, # 542   ▪  Anchorage  ▪   Alaska 99501  ▪   800-842-7764 Small caravans see and do more… plus, we have more fun!

This site and photographs are protected under the Copyright law, United States of America

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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Caravanistan helps you get the most out of your Silk Road trip

Both for independent travelers and guided trips

Hi there! We’re Caravanistan and we help you make the most of your Silk Road trip in 4 ways:

Leading travel guide for Central Asia

Silk Road Visa shop

Custom tours for unique adventures

Car and motorbike rental

A hand-crafted travel guide for Central Asia and beyond

At Caravanistan, we spend our waking hours to guide everyone to a more meaningful travel experience on the Silk Road.

We believe in going slow. A change of pace is often more important than a change of place. See less, and experience more.

Go beyond the guidebooks and the must-sees. We aim to guide you there.

Tailormade trips, at group tour prices

Use our expertise to design your unique adventure, whether it’s a 5-star trip along Uzbekistan’s culture cities, or a demanding hike in the Tien Shan mountains.

We evaluate your request and match you with the tour operators that suit your travel ideas best.

Why choose Caravanistan ?

No booking fee

You deal directly with local tour operators. We don’t put anything on top.

Competing offers

Pick the one you like best.

Cherry-picked tour operators

We only work with a few tour operators that we know well, who understand how you like to travel.

We know Central Asia

Not only have we been everywhere, we also know how things work around here.

Need a ride ?

Reliable wheels for your self-driving adventure, for rent across Central Asia

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We have got a decade of experience in getting visas for travelers of all passports.

Highly reliable, immensely helpful, and always inspiring. Kevin Kelly, founder Wired Magazine

Go further, go slower. Experience more.

Caravanistan is kept in the air since 2011 by Saule from Kazakhstan and Steven from Belgium. For travelers, by travelers.

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The history of Memorial Day and when the holiday is observed in 2024

As spring continues, it brings us closer to Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer.

If you’re already sorting out your holiday plans or brainstorming how to spend your three-day weekend, here’s what you should know about Memorial Day’s origin and meaning.

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day began under the name “Decoration Day” in 1868 — three years after the Civil War ended — and was declared a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers and otherwise honor those who died while serving in the United States military, according to the  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  

It is one of 11 permanent federal holidays observed in the U.S. The 10 other federal holidays observed annually are:

• New Year’s Day on January 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday in January
• Washington’s Birthday, or Presidents Day, on the third Monday in February
• Juneteenth on June 19
• Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, on July 4
• Labor Day on the first Monday in September
• Columbus Day, or Indigenous Peoples Day, on the second Monday in October
• Veterans Day on Nov. 11
• Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas on Dec. 25

When is Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, May 27. 

Looking ahead at graduation season: When is graduation? Here's the latest 2024 commencement breakdown across Delaware colleges

History of Memorial Day 

On May 5, 1868, Gen. John Logan officially ordered that May 30 be designated as a day of remembrance for those who died serving in the Civil War. It is believed this date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. By 1890, all Northern states recognized the holiday, but Southern states chose to honor those who died in the Civil War on separate days.  

This divide continued until the holiday changed after World War I to honor Americans who died fighting any war, not just the Civil War.  

In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day after Gov. Nelson Rockefeller made a similar declaration that same year.  

By the end of the century, Memorial Day ceremonies were held on May 30 throughout the country, the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observances at their facilities and state legislatures passed proclamations designating the day.  

In 1972, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress,  the Uniform Monday Holiday Act , and placed on the last Monday in May, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The act also established other federal holidays like Presidents Day and Columbus Day on Mondays.

In 2000,  the National Moment of Remembrance Act  was signed into law by Congress and the president, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance.

It encourages all citizens to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence, according to  Congress.

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Heavy fighting around key eastern cities; Russia 'sustaining nearly 900 casualties per day'

Heavy fighting has been reported around the eastern cities of Avdiivka and Bakhmut. Meanwhile, at least six people have been injured after a swarm of Russian drones hit central and northeastern Ukraine.

Saturday 4 May 2024 18:35, UK

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• Russia suffering nearly 900 casualties a day in Ukraine, MoD says
• Heavy fighting reported around key eastern cities
• Six injured in drone attacks across Ukraine
• Russia shoots down 'four US-made long-range missiles' over Crimea
• Analysis: Unpicking Lord Cameron's promises and what it means for Ukraine
• Exclusive:  UK plans to ramp up weapons production for Ukraine
• Analysis:  Will US aid help turn tide on Russia?
• Your questions answered:  Why can't Ukraine destroy key Crimean bridge?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts

We're pausing our live coverage for this evening, but we'll be back tomorrow with more updates and analysis.

An explosion has injured five people in the Russian city of Belgorod, its governor says.

Vyacheslav Gladkov said 30 homes and 10 cars were damaged, without specifying the source of the explosion.

The wounded were taken to hospital with shrapnel wounds including to the head and face, he said.

He said it was "miraculous" nobody had died in the incident.

Belgorod is located near the border with Ukraine, across from the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. 

Photographs taken in Kharkiv, Ukraine, show firefighters tackling a blaze caused by a Russian missile strike.

Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said a civilian building was set ablaze overnight, injuring  four people, including a 13-year-old child.

Russian state agency RIA claimed Moscow's forces struck a drone warehouse in Kharkiv that had been used by Ukrainian troops.

The Russian embassy to the UK has branded Lord Cameron's remarks as "confirmation of the UK's increasing direct involvement" in the war.

On a visit to Kyiv, the foreign secretary said Ukraine had a right to use British weapons to strike targets inside Russia, and that it was up to Ukraine whether to do so.

"Guided by its own purely political purposes, including opportunistic electoral considerations, the UK government is persistently pursuing a course of escalation and expansion of geography of military actions," read a statement by the Russian embassy.

It continued: "When the tasks of the special military operation are completed, all those involved in the strikes on peaceful Russian cities and other criminal acts will face the punishment they deserve."

Russian officials often refer to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine as a special military operation.

Kyiv has responded to earlier reports that Russia has put Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a wanted list.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry said it demonstrated the "desperation of the Russian state machine and propaganda, which are at a loss for what else to invent to garner attention".

A statement from the ministry continued: "We would like to remind everyone that, unlike the worthless Russian announcements, the International Criminal Court's warrant for the arrest of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges is real and enforceable in 123 countries."

The Group of Seven nations is discussing a proposal to send up to $50bn (£39.9bn) in aid to Ukraine, reports say.

The US has proposed the money is repaid with the windfall profits from Russian assets frozen in Europe, according to Bloomberg.

America is pushing other G7 leaders - the heads of the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, France and Japan - to agree on the plan when they meet in June.

But discussions have been difficult and an agreement could take months, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the proposal.

The move comes after Washington approved a major assistance package worth $61bn last month, which had been delayed for months by Republicans in the House of Representatives.

It will likely take weeks until US military assistance arrives on the frontline at scale, according to an American thinktank.

The Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces will take advantage of the lag to try and make "operationally significant gains in key sectors", such as near Chasiv Yar and Avdiivka.

But should these gains be made, they will not signal the collapse the Ukraine's defences, said the ISW.

Earlier today, we reported how heavy fighting was taking place in villages near Avdiivka and Bakhmut, as well as Chasiv Yar, to Bakhmut's west.

A senior Ukrainian intelligence chief said it is "probably a matter of time" before Chasiv Yar falls. 

Ukraine received artillery shells, missiles and anti-armour rockets on 28 and 29 April in the first instalments of America's newly approved $61bn  tranche of aid, the New York Times reported.

Citing a senior Spanish official, the news outlet said a Patriot interceptor missiles arrived in Poland en route to Ukraine on Tuesday.

Russia has put Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a wanted list, Russian state media reports.

Moscow has opened a criminal case against the Ukrainian president, according to Tass news agency.

It cited the Russian interior ministry's database, but gave no further details.

Russia has issued arrest warrants for a number of Ukrainian and other European politicians since the start of the war.

Russian police put Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas, Lithuania's culture minister and members of the previous Latvian parliament on a wanted list for destroying Soviet-era monuments. 

Russia also issued an arrest warrant for the International Criminal Court prosecutor who last year prepared a warrant for Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges.

Another attack has been reported in Kharkiv, following drone strikes overnight.

The region's governor said Russian troops shelled the area, leaving a 74-year-old woman injured and in need of hospitalisation. 

"As a result of five strikes, two two-story apartment buildings, one private house and networks were damaged," Oleg Synegubov said. 

A private house was also struck. 

Around $498,000 (£396,000) in funds meant for the reconstruction of a heavily damaged Kyiv suburb has "disappeared," Ukraine's State Audit Service has said. 

Borodianka, once a town of 12,000 people, suffered massive destruction in the early weeks of Russia's invasion.

Money has been directed at the suburb for its reconstruction since, but an audit of the town council found a large discrepancy related to plastic-metal windows, which were noted down for installation but never actually put in.

More losses were found when the auditors found that some materials had been purchased and installed at higher rates that the market price. 

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German foreign minister says Russia will face consequences for monthslong cyber espionage

Germany says Russia will face consequences after accusing its military intelligence service of masterminding an “absolutely intolerable” cyberespionage campaign

BRUSSELS — Germany on Friday accused Russian military agents of hacking the top echelons of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party and other sensitive government and industrial targets, and was joined by NATO and fellow European countries in warning that Russia’s cyberespionage would have consequences.

Relations between Russia and Germany were already tense, with Germany providing military support to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.