As we approach Memorial Day weekend, Annuity Alliance wants to take a minute to remember all of the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30th for many years (and actually lands on that date in 2022). In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed the last Monday of May.

How do you plan to spend Memorial Day? While Memorial Day brings barbecues, sales at retailers, and graduation parties, you also can participate in holiday parades, cemetery visits and ceremonies for those who mark the day more traditionally. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Annuity Alliance also wants to share some little known facts as you prepare for Monday’s holiday. Memorial Day is one of the few days flags are ordered to fly at half-staff then full-staff. While Memorial Day has spawned many different traditions within communities, it also spawned several traditions by how the government observes the day as well.

• Memorial Day has its own unique flag etiquette. At sunrise, anyone flying a flag should raise the flag briskly to full-staff then slowly lower the flag to half-staff, according to Gettysburg Flag. This is to honor the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. At noon, the flag should be briskly raised to full-staff. This is to salute all of those who have served.
• The President of the United States also places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For decades, presidents visited the hallowed site as a way to pay tribute to all of those who died fighting for their country. In addition to laying a wreath, the president, or a dignitary in his place, will deliver an address for the nearby amphitheater.
• At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for national moment of silence for one minute to pay tribute to America's fallen soldiers. This became official after the passage of the The National Moment of Remembrance Act in 2000.

Are you looking for some barbecue ideas to share with your guests on Memorial Day? You also may want to check out these links for some ideas.

• Our Best Memorial Day Recipes
• 45 Must-Have Recipes for Your Memorial Day Cookout
• 70 Best Memorial Day Recipes to Kick Off Your Long Weekend

Annuity Alliance hopes you have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, but take a few moments to remember those who have died protecting our country.