Let’s play a quick game of word association: We say “Memorial Day,” you say…what do you say?

For most Americans Memorial Day means, first and foremost, the unofficial start of summer. It’s about parties, grilling, roadtripping, the running of the Indianapolis 500. It’s when pool clubs finally open, the school year winds to a close, and we can once again fashionably wear white.

But, of course, this United States federal holiday is more than  just an excuse for a long, relaxing weekend. The last Monday in May has been set aside to commemorate the many thousands of men and women who died in military service to their country. Memorial Day traditions include flying the American flag at half staff  from dawn until noon, and a national moment of remembrance that takes place at 3 p.m. Eastern time. War monuments and cemetaries experience an influx of visitors paying their respects, and at U.S. National Cemeteries (there are 39 across the country with the most famous in Arlington, Virginia just outside Washington,  DC), volunteers place an American flag beside each grave.

Whether your Memorial Day observance leans toward patriotism or pleasure (or both!), these twing search results can help you plan:

• Travel Forums
• Barbecuing and Grilling Forums
• Military Forums
• Veterans Forums
• American History Forum

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