From Jennifer Alpeche,
Your Guide to San Francisco Travel.
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The calendar may say that summer arrives June 21 this year, but the “unofficial kickoff to summer” is as usual, the long Memorial Day weekend, where many have three days to catchup with the year or ready for said summer.

It’s first and foremost though a time to honor those who have given their lives in battle for their country. During this holiday weekend, you will find a mix of formal ceremonies along with more summer-y fare. Here’s our brief guide to the Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco.

What is Memorial Day?

“And each man stands with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can.” -- Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

A U.S. federal holiday in honor of the military men and women who have lost their lives in battle, defending their country. It is celebrated on the final Monday of May.

Holiday History

It was first conceived to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War, but eventually grew to include all U.S. wars. The traditional date was May 30, but in 1968, as part of the “Uniform Holidays Bill,” Memorial Day (along with three other holidays) was moved to a Monday to create a three-day weekend. From then on, it has been the final Monday in May, regardless of date. In 2007, Memorial Day will be on May 28.

Observances

Parades as well as visits to cemeteries to honor the men and women. As of 2000, there has also been a National Moment of Remembrance (3 p.m. local time), which asks that everyone in the nation pause for a moment of silence, in honor of those for which Memorial Day exists.

Parade and Formal Ceremony at the Presidio

Memorial Day Ceremony
Honor and Remember
Monday, May 28, 2007

At 10:30 a.m., a parade at the Presidio Main Parade Ground will commence, led by the 91st Division Color Guard Pipes and Drum Band. The parade will proceed to the San Francisco National Cemetery, where a formal ceremony will take place. Included will be the laying of wreaths, a reading of the Gettysburg Address, and a 21-gun salute. Guided tours will be given following the ceremony, and at 1 p.m., a Memorial Day service will be given at the Presidio Interfaith Center.

More Weekend Events

For additional info, About.com's local San Francisco Guide Ingrid Taylar offers a great rundown of the weekend's events in her latest blog. Thanks, Ingrid! And we also have a quick calendar below highlighting five.