Quick Wiki: Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 31 in 2010). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I.

For those of us in the US this weekend is a 3 day holiday. Sure it was originally intended to commemorate and remember fallen soldiers, now it commemorates the true beginning of Summer.

We live near Ocean City, Maryland, a very popular tourist location. People from everywhere seem to go through here to get to the beach to party and enjoy the sun and waves. Starting on Memorial day, locals can expect worse traffic, grumpy tourists, and longer lines at the grocery stores.

I know, it sounds a little negative, but things here are slow. Tourists don’t seem to understand that. They come from their big cities and express ways to our 25mph zones and two lane roads – they get frustrated. Sometimes I just want to tell them “It’s ok to go slower, you are on vacation after all.”

The best part is all the awesome seasonal restaurants open back up this weekend and the hidden local beaches are normally left alone. One of our family favorites is Assateague Island. You can watch the “wild” horses roam while you enjoy a nice swim or some sunbathing. If you have the proper tags and four-wheel drive you can even drive out on the beach – no lugging all the stuff you packed – simply drive out, park, and have fun!

On another note, last week’s Top Sites Tuesday was great, I loved the theme and got to visit some awesome blogs. It’s amazing how wonderful some blogs are and they’ve just been left to sit there. The Top Sites this week were:

TGIF Everyone! Have an awesome weekend!
–Trina