Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Americans are packing their bags and firing up their grills. Traffic is picking up on major highways nationwide. Families are heading to beaches, lakes, and campgrounds for a long weekend. For many, it feels like summer has finally arrived.

This year, the holiday weekend runs from today, Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, 2026. While people enjoy the extra time off, the long weekend serves a deeper purpose. It is a time to honor brave individuals who gave everything for their country.

Memorial Day began after the American Civil War. The war claimed more lives than any other in U.S. history. As a result, communities needed a way to mourn. Citizens began gathering to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with spring flowers.

Originally, people called this tradition Decoration Day. Waterloo, New York, is the official birthplace of the holiday. The town first observed the holiday in 1866. Leaders chose May 30 because flowers would be in full bloom across the nation.

Many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, but the two holidays serve very different purposes. Veterans Day falls in November and honors everyone who served in the military. It celebrates living veterans who wore the uniform.

In contrast, Memorial Day honors service members who died in service. It is a solemn day of mourning. Over time, the holiday weekend evolved into a major cultural milestone. Congress moved the date to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968 to move Memorial Day from its traditional May 30th date to the last Monday in May. However, the change didn't take effect immediately—the law officially went into full effect on January 1, 1971, creating the official three-day weekend we use today.

This change made it easier for families to travel and gather. Now, the weekend unofficially marks the start of the summer vacation season. Around the country, pools open, and amusement parks welcome large crowds. Families enjoy outdoor barbecues and public parades.

It is a time for relaxation, but the core message remains. As you enjoy the sunshine this weekend, remember the true cost of freedom. Take a moment to think about the heroes who never made it home. Their sacrifice allows us to celebrate with our families today.

Locals and visitors to Orange Beach can honor these heroes at a special event on Monday, May 25, at 9 a.m. The City of Orange Beach is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Veterans Memorial at the City Hall Campus. The site features a new brick tribute area to recognize service members in a lasting way. The Orange Beach Veterans Memorial is located at 4101 Orange Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561.