Though Memorial Day traces its origins to the years following the American Civil War in the mid-19th century, it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

Memorial Day travel season in 20 years. Thousands will take to the skies, and this is the first major holiday weekend at airports across the nation after the Real ID requirements took effect. Friday felt like another day at Detroit Metropolitan Airport,

AAA estimates 1.3 million Michigan residents will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday weekend, the second-highest forecast on record.

AAA predicts nearly 1.3 million Michiganians will journey at least 50 miles from home from Thursday through Monday.

U.S. and Michigan flags will be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day to honor fallen service members. Flags are flown at half-staff on other occasions, including Peace Officers Memorial Day and ...

Michigan is expected to experience cooler temperatures, mostly clear skies, scattered rain and even frost over Memorial Day weekend. Temperatures will range from the 50s and 60s in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan to the 60s and lower 70s in lower Michigan.

This Memorial Day weekend takes on a whole new meaning for one West Michigan veteran, as he is remembering a fallen hero much closer to home.