Things to Remember About Memorial Day

While stuffing your face with hot dogs and adult beverages is a fun way to kick-off summer, Memorial Day weekend is more about remembrance.  Let's brush up on our Memorial Day knowledge.

Memorial Day began after some 620,000 soldiers lost their lives in the Civil War...on both sides.  It is a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  It was originally called "Decoration Day."  To honor the deceased, soldiers would decorate graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags and wreaths. In 1967, it was legally dubbed "Memorial Day."

Until reading this article in Time magazine, I didn't know there was a specific time for a moment of silence.

"In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen." 

At 3 p.m. this Monday, May 25, put down the beer (you can do it!), bow your head for a moment of silence to remember those who fought for your freedom.

Tip: If you haven't left for the weekend, don't even bother until 7 p.m. tonight.  A new study at The Washington Post from AAA looked at Memorial Day weekend traffic, and found the roads will be totally clogged until then.  The worst time to hit the road is between 3:00 and 4:00 P.M.