Memorial Day is a U.S. national holiday that is held every year on the last Monday in May. Americans celebrate Memorial Day to honor all of the people who have died in military service. In memory of these individuals, there is a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. Schools, the government, and many businesses are closed on Memorial Day.
On Memorial Day, cities and towns organize parades and ceremonies for communities to celebrate the lives of those who have died in military service. After these events, families take time to visit the graves or monuments dedicated to their loved ones before gathering with friends and family for barbeques and picnics. Because of the time of year when Memorial Day occurs, it is considered to be the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day barbeques and backyard picnics traditionally have foods like hamburgers, corn on the cob, and potato salad. Desserts are often red, white, and blue like the colors of the American flag. In Pittsburgh, Memorial Day begins with a parade and ends with a fireworks display. Find out when this year's events occur on the Downtown Pittsburgh website.