As you gear up for an extra day this weekend, Annuity Alliance would like to take a moment during the barbecues, bonfires, and vacation time to remember those who allow us to celebrate Memorial Day this Monday, May 29th.

Of the two official United States holidays recognizing the commitment of members of America's military services, Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while defending their country. In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) as a federal holiday which is commemorated on the last Monday in May on an annual basis.

On Memorial Day, most Americans take time to visit cemeteries to place American flags on graves in memory of fallen soldiers, some cities hold parades, and a national moment of silence traditionally occurs at 3 p.m. to remember those who died fighting for our country. Another tradition involves the President of the United States placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider to pay tribute for all those who have died fighting for their country.

An interesting fact about Memorial Day involves how flags are ordered to fly at half-staff than full-staff. Here’s some flag etiquette. You should raise the flag to full-staff at sunrise then slowly lower the flag to half-staff to honor the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. At noon, you should briskly raise the flag to full-staff to salute all those who have served.

Here’s some interesting facts to share around the BBQ this weekend.

• According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the estimated the number of fallen troops who died in battle from 1775 to 1991 was 651,031. The agency also estimated 308,800 in-theater deaths (territories where wars were fought) and non-theater 230,254 deaths (territories where wars weren’t fought) during the same period.
• According to the U.S. Department of Defense, more than 1.3 million active-duty service members make up the United States’ armed forces with 750,000 civilian personnel and more than 811,000 National Guard and reserve service members. The DoD is the nation’s largest employer.
• More than 135,000 people annually visit Arlington National Cemetery during Memorial Day weekend.
• Per WalletHub, 260,000 graves are decorated at Arlington National Cemetery.
• Per the American Automotive Association (AAA), 39.2 million Americans will travel during the holiday weekend.

And while you simmer some food on the barbecue this weekend, you also can share how $1.7 billion in meat sales occur in preparation for those Memorial Day gatherings.

On that note, Annuity Alliance wants to take a moment to remember those we’ve lost in the armed forces and thank every soldier for everything they do for the United States of America – land of the free, and home of the brave.