Holidays! Parades, Fun Events, and Getaway Ideas for Holidays Through the Year

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide

Memorial Day in the US has a serious purpose: to honor those who've lost their lives in military service. However, as a holliday observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day weekend has come to be celebrated as the unofficial start of summer-time.

Memorial Day means special commemorative events in many parts of the US: Fleet Week, in New York City; a giant parade in Chicago; outdoor concerts and fireworks... See Memorial Day Events for families.

Meanwhile, to kickstart summer, dozens of resorts and destinations have packages-- check out some sample Memorial Day Weekend Getaways.

- continue to Fourth of July Celebrations