Tagged: memorial day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was declared in 1868 to honor the memory of deceased military service members. Michigan-based author Wade Rouse shares his perspective on Memorial Day, from his memoir, "It's All Relative."

Listen for more stories from Rouse throughout the year on Michigan Radio.

More than a million Michiganders are expected to get-a-way to some of the state’s favorite tourist spots next weekend.  But they are not expected to spend much money Memorial Day weekend.  

The AAA surveyed its members recently and found many plan to spend less of their vacation budget on restaurants and other amenities.  

Nancy Cain is a AAA spokeswoman. “Because people are paying more for gas and other things, on average they are going to be spending less for the entire weekend.  The spending will be about $692.  That is down about 14% from last year.”  

AAA Michigan predicts state highways will be busy on Memorial Day.     The automobile club’s survey shows one point one million Michiganders plan to travel during the 5 day holiday period, 91% by car.

Nancy Cain is a AAA spokeswoman. “People’s budgets are tight.  But the holiday comes just once a year.  Michigan’s summer tourism season is short.  And Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of it.   We do think, if the weather holds out, some folks might decide at the last minute to head out as well.”