Americans are more active this Memorial Day, the day when those who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military are remembered. Last year, most activities and gatherings were canceled due to the pandemic.
This year, some Memorial Day events are allowing members of the public to attend in person. However, many events are still being held virtually.
Most cemeteries are allowing family members to put flowers and flags on the graves of their loved ones.
This year, 1.5 million people watched the National Memorial Day parade on television Sunday, 37.1 million Americans are traveling, a 60 percent increase over 2020, and 56 percent of Americans are barbecuing. For more information, see Memorial Day Facts and Figures 2021.
President Joe Biden said in a speech at Arlington National Cemetery that he pledged to never forget or fail to honor fallen veterans’ sacrifice and saying that democracy is “worth fighting for” and “dying for.”
As for me, I’m staying close to home and working in my yard. And, I’m remembering my uncle, Frank Gilliam, who died in World War II.
