Prayer, Parade and Fireworks Planned For Memorial Day Weekend

The Memorial Day weekend will be greeted by the usual fare as many attend cookouts, take advantage of store sales and gather at various social events. 

Still, some will take on a more solemn approach as they focus on the meaning of the holiday. There will be moments of silence, prayer and parade.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, and it was solely a day for remembrance of the members of the United States Military who had died in battle while serving their country. It was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. Then, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

While many are still aware of this part of Memorial Day, some critics say it has morphed into a retailing holiday.

Still, Memorial Day weekend is observed throughout the United States with many special ceremonies, concerts, festivals, performances and more. Some events take place during the entire long weekend, while others are held on one or two days.

• Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance - A National Moment of Remembrance takes place every year at 3 p.m. local time. The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity for one minute. The idea for the Moment originated when children touring the nation’s capital were not able to describe the true meaning of Memorial Day, most responding “That’s the day the pool opens.” Also, a Gallup Poll revealed that only 28 percent of Americans know the meaning of Memorial Day.

• Georgia Renaissance Festival - Fairburn
  Located just minutes south of Atlanta near Exit 61 off I-85
  The festival, 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., features eight weekends of Spring fun, including Memorial Day weekend. Colorfully costumed performers and nonstop entertainment, a 32-acre Artisan Market, thrilling rides and games, parades, great food, jousting contests, period activities and more take place throughout the Festival.

• Memorial Day Weekend Salute to the Troops - Stone Mountain Park
  This annual celebration  is a salute to America’s troops and their families and is Atlanta's largest Memorial Day weekend celebration. Stone Mountain Park usually offers discounted or free admission and other savings for active duty military and veterans with a valid military ID.

• Atlanta Jazz Festival - Atlanta  May 28-29
  The festival is free and will include a lineup of Jazz artists providing dazzling performances in Piedmont Park.