Memorial Day ceremonies set to break travel records this weekend

The Department of Veterans Affairs is holding Memorial Day ceremonies at more than 130 cemeteries across the country to honor service members who died defending the United States. These events will have ceremonies with wreaths, speeches, music, a moment of silence, and the playing of Taps. Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said, “This Memorial Day weekend, we want Veterans and all Americans to join us in remembering and honoring our fallen heroes.” The Department wants to show gratitude to those who gave their lives for the country and to never forget their sacrifice. McDonough will speak at the ceremony at New York State Veterans Cemetery Finger Lakes on Monday. The community there is known as the birthplace of Memorial Day. Veterans Affairs chief of staff Kimberly Jackson will speak at Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday, while Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher will speak at the Baltimore National Cemetery on May 30. Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Matt Quinn said, “We can never underestimate or under-appreciate the sacrifice made by the brave men and women who died in service to the country.” If veterans or their loved ones can’t visit these cemeteries, they can leave a tribute on the VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial website. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. About 16 million Americans served in World War II, but only around 100,000 veterans from that time are still alive. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 18 million passengers and crew between May 23 and May 29, which is 6.4% more than last year. The American Automobile Association projects that 38.4 million people will travel by car over the weekend, setting a new record. Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said, “We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years.” With Thursday and Friday expected to be the busiest days on the road, drivers are advised to leave before 11 a.m. or wait until evening to avoid heavy traffic. GasBuddy predicts gas prices will average $3.58 per gallon nationally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Travelers can use apps like GasBuddy, Google Maps, and Waze to find the cheapest gas stations. Flyers should be aware of new checked bag fees at airports. TSA recommends travelers arrive at the airport two hours before their flight and know what can and cannot be packed in carry-on luggage.