This weekend marks the start of the Memorial Day Weekend.
It is the unofficial start to the summer season: But Memorial Day has a serious side.
Memorial Day (previously but now seldom called Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the US for honoring and mourning the military personnel who had died while serving in the US Armed Forced. The holiday is now observed on the last Monday of May, having been observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who had died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer in the United States, while Labor Day marks the unofficial start of Autumn on the first Monday of September.
Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military:Veterans Day, which honors those who have served in the US Armed Forces; and Armed Forces Day, an unofficial U.S. holiday (earlier in May) for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces.