With Memorial Day symbolizing the start of summer, many find this weekend a great time to travel.  Because most of us get three day weekends off to reserve this holiday, a short getaway is most ideal.   Barbeques by the beach are probably the most popular, but don’t forget that there are plenty of other options as well.  A short tour of New York, a California theme park tour with the children, or a trip to the beautiful city of San Diego are all wonderful ways to spend your three day weekend.

Or for those who really want to get in the Memorial Day spirit, you may choose a trip to destinations steeped in our nation’s history to remind us what this holiday is really about.  Washington DC is an obvious choice for this weekend; with this city being home to our nation’s capital and numerous memorials, it won’t take long to get in the patriotic spirit.  A tour of Mount Rushmore is another great option for a Memorial Day vacation.  Visit this amazing national treasure and stare in awe at the four presidents sculpted in the mountain, and take a trip to the popular Crazy Horse Memorial as well.  Finally, a trip to Philadelphia will introduce you to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the US Mint. 

Whether you choose a relaxing vacation with the family or one that celebrates our nation’s history, Tours4Fun has everything you need to plan a great Memorial Day trip.

Memorial Day Facts 

    * Memorial Day was first celebrated in 1868.
    * It was declared a federal holiday in 1971.
    * It was decided that Memorial Day would be celebrated in May because flowers would bloom all over the country.
    * Red poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower.
    * Memorial Day was first known as “Decoration Day.”
    * The south refused to honor Memorial Day until after World War I when the meaning of Memorial Day changed from honoring civil war dead to honoring those who fought in any war.
    * “Taps,” the 24-note bugle call, is most often played at ceremonies on Memorial Day.
    * Waterloo, NY is considered the birthplace of this holiday, although many claim they started this tradition.
    * The Thursday before every Memorial Day, soldiers of the US Infantry place flags on each gravestone at the Arlington National Cemetery.  They patrol the area 24 hours a day to ensure the flag remains standing.
    * The National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed in December 2000 which asks that at 3:00 p.m. local time for all Americans to observe in their own was a moment of respect for a moment of silence or by listening to “Taps.”
    * Many critics oppose the fact that the holiday is celebrated as a three day weekend, saying that it undermines the very meaning of the day.