This upcoming Monday is Memorial Day and I know everyone is looking forward to a three day weekend. However, we should also take the time to think about what Memorial Day really means. This isn’t a meaningless holiday that just offers an extra day off of work. Memorial Day is a day to honor our loved ones, our ancestors and our friends who have fought and died for our country and the freedoms that we all enjoy today. It’s not a day to honor war, but a day to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
However you plan to celebrate this holiday, please remember to be safe. Many Americans travel on this holiday and this increases the chances of being involved in a serious automobile accident. There will also be an increased police presence on the roadways enforcing the “Click it or Ticket Campaign”. The campaign is taking place from May 21st through June 3rd. For those that choose to stay in town for the weekend, remember not to drink and drive and to be careful when going to large events and festivals.
Below is a list of links to help you with your Memorial Day plans:
- Memorial Day History: Read up on the origins and history of this holiday
- Patriot Festival 5K+ Run/Walk: Celebrate by running for a good cause! All of the money raised at this event goes to support wounded warrior programs in the Carolinas such as the USO of North Carolina Charlotte Center, Operation Homefront, Helpingahero.org, Purple Heart Homes, Semper Fidelis Health & Wellness, North Carolina Heroes Fund, and Rolling Thunder.
- Speed Street: Celebrate at Charlotte’s annual Speed Street festival which marks the start of the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center Memorial Celebration: Celebrate with lots of live music and a fireworks display at dark
