National Memo Day

Celebrated on 05/21/2026

Quick Fact

National Memo Day is an annual observance celebrated on April 15 that encourages individuals to organize their records and streamline their communications. It was established in the early 1990s by educator and author Barbara DeKoker to promote efficiency and clarity in professional and personal correspondence.

Origins and Establishment of National Memo Day

National Memo Day was established in 2016 by the National Day Calendar in collaboration with 3M, the company behind the Post-it note. The date, May 21st, was chosen to honor the anniversary of the invention of the Post-it note, which was first introduced to the public on this day in 1978. The holiday aims to recognize the importance of memos in communication, organization, and productivity.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially celebrated with office-themed events and social media campaigns, National Memo Day has evolved to include digital memos and reminders. Today, it is marked by sharing tips on effective memo-writing, using sticky notes for creative projects, and appreciating the role of memos in both personal and professional life. Companies often host workshops or distribute branded sticky notes to employees.

Facts & General Observations

• Over 50 billion Post-it notes are sold annually worldwide.
• The first Post-it note color was yellow, chosen because it was the only scrap paper available at the time of invention.
• A survey found that 70% of office workers use sticky notes at least once a week for reminders or brainstorming.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.