As the unofficial start of the summer season, Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a time to enjoy beaches and burgers. We've got plenty of beaches, as well as burger joints on Tybee Island.
But the holiday is really about commemorating our fallen heroes who served in America's military. Observed annually on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day falls on May 31 this year.
Almost 3 million American servicemen and women have died in conflicts from the American Revolutionary War through the Middle East's most recent interventions.
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day started after the Civil War when residents held tributes each spring, using flowers to decorate the graves of the soldiers who died in the war. Some records indicate the practice began in nearby Charleston, S.C.
Whatever the origins, there are local places to visit in honoring these heroes.
The Fort Pulaski National Monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day on Cockspur Island. The fort dates to the mid-1800s and saw its heaviest use during the Civil War. In addition to the fort, you can explore Battery Hambright, the John Wesley Monument, the cemetery, and a construction village.
At the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum, you can view the Fort Screven Battery Garland, completed in 1899 as part of America's coastal defense system.
Just a few miles away in Savannah, ceremonies traditionally begin on Sunday evening with a Memorial Day Salute at Vietnam Veterans Memorial park in Emmet Park. Bonaventure Cemetery hosts a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the American Legion plot.
Another traditional Memorial Day commemoration is a flyover by Georgia Army National Guard helicopters during the Monday morning ceremonies.
You'll want to explore those spectacular Georgia beaches, of course. You'll find plenty of places to soak up the sun close to your Tybee Island vacation property. Enjoy stunning ocean views at our four-bedroom, luxury Sunset Point home or the three-bedroom Stay-A-While rental with a spacious balcony and boardwalk to the beach.
For hearty, mouth-watering burgers, locals head to The Quarter Sports Bar & Grill, voted Best Burger 11 times. Or enjoy a burger with a view from the deck at North Beach Bar and Grill. Fancy things up a bit with an uptown burger and sweet potato fries at the Sundae Cafe.
Keep in mind that folks are ready to have some fun in the sun, so the Memorial Day holiday is bound to be busy at the beach. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going.
