Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May. The holiday honors U.S. soldiers who died while serving in the military. The federal holiday was first set aside to recognize Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. After World War I, it was extended to honor soldiers who have died in all wars. This year’s commemoration is Monday, May 30th.

Myrtle Beach MayFest 2011, in recognition of Memorial Day, hosted in downtown Myrtle Beach, a military concert every Friday of this month. Featured on Friday, May 6th was a jazz combo by the 282nd US Army Band, a full stage band, 282nd U.S. Army Band, on the 13th, the 208th US Army Reserve Band on May 20th, and the 82nd Airborne Division Band on May 27th.

To top off the town’s celebration, this past Saturday, May 28th, the Memorial Day Weekend Parade started at 9:30 and ran south from 27th Avenue North to 8th and 9th Avenues North, where John McCain served as the Grand Marshal.  The parade was followed by a number of Disney and Nickelodeon stars from iCarly, Victorious, Wizards of Waverly Place, Sonny with a Chance and Shake it Up.  It was a great opportunity for everyone to show our appreciation to our military men and women … now, that’s Carolina cool!