Are you getting ready to take your Pontiac cars on a road trip for this Memorial Day weekend? If so, you will be joining a larger number of Americans than last year as AAA expects road travel to increase. But while you are sitting in traffic and asking yourself why you chose to go somewhere, mull over these fun facts about the Memorial Day holiday to have a greater appreciation for it and to get your mind off your frustrations.
• Memorial Day is a federal holiday that always takes place on the last Monday of May.
• Memorial Day was first enacted to pay homage to the Union soldiers after the American Civil War. After World War I, however, it was expanded to pay remembrance to any person who died while serving their nation in battle.
• There are several traditions that go along with this holiday. For instance, it is common to fly the United States flag at half-mast from dawn until noon on Memorial Day.
• The Indianapolis 500 is another Memorial Day tradition and it has occurred on this holiday every year since 1911.
• The idea for Memorial Day was first introduced in Waterloo, New York. The village first observed the day on May 5, 1866.
Now that you know a little bit more about this respected day, try to stay safe and appreciate what it stands for.
