Memorial Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the United States' fallen service members, has increasingly become synonymous with the unofficial start of summer, marked by long weekends, travel, and widespread retail discounts.
Observed on the last Monday of May, the federal holiday calls for reflection and remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. military, with a National Moment of Remembrance encouraging a 3 p.m. moment of silence.
