Memorial Day Celebrations, Hot Weather and More

1. Yes, you have the day off..........The day off......Did I mention you have the day off? Friends and family beckon. The grill is calling your name. Or maybe you are at the beach enjoying the waves.

     Aaaaaaaah.

But we need to all remember the real reason why we are celebrating Memorial Day today. The holiday, which launches the summer season, commemorates U.S. service members who died while in military service. First enacted by formerly enslaved African-Americans to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

2. And if you are looking for a way to pay respect to those who have fought for our country, Powder Springs American Legion Post 294 is having its annual ceremony today at noon. It will be held at the Powder Springs Veterans Memorial at the , 4181 Atlanta St.

The program will feature the Color Guard, patriotic music and proceedings, a keynote speaker from the North Georgia Military College, comments from Mayor Pat Vaughn, and the laying of a wreath in honor of fallen comrades.

3. The weather will make for a gorgeous, if hot, holiday. The National Weather Service is calling for sunny skies and a high of 91. The low will be 66.

4. While you are off work today, so are most other folks. Powder Springs municipal offices will be closed today, as well as Douglas County offices, federal offices, the U.S. Postal Service and banks.

5. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, there is a Powder Springs City Council workshop Wednesday at 5 p.m., and Thursday is the Farmer's Market from 4 to 8 p.m.