While many in the US think of this "long weekend" as the unofficial start of summer, the holiday was actually established as much more than an excuse for a day off work, BBQs and car races...
http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day
Don't get me wrong as an "Indiana Boy" the Indy 500 holds many special memories and is the basis for several family traditions but it is still important in my mind to remember the basis for the day.
Clear Skies!