ARLINGTON, VA - DECEMBER 27: U.S. Marine Corps honor guards hold folded U.S. flags as they arrive at the funeral of Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Vincent J. Bell December 27, 2011 at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Bell, an artilleryman for the 2nd Battalion of the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Pendleton, California, was killed by an improvised explosive device explosion while he was on foot patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during his fifth deployment in ten years with the Marine Corps. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Ben Leslie with Folds of Honor for Memorial Day on the Augusta Golf Show.
What Is Folds Of Honor?
If you’re not familiar with the organization, let me tell you a little bit about them.
Major Dan Rooney, returning from his second tour of duty in Iraq was flying home when, as his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them, Corporal Bucklin’s young son, Jacob.
It was at that moment, now Lt. Col. Dan Rooney committed his life to rallying patriotic Americans through the Folds of Honor.
Since 2007, they have provided scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military.
As you will hear Ben Leslie talk about in our conversation, the amount of money given out and the number of lives changed are incredible.
You can help, by giving, you can click here to go to the website.
Here’s my conversation with Ben Leslie from the Folds of Honor.
Memorial Day 2024 - Weekend Events In The CSRA
Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off to Summer. It’s coming up on Monday, May 28th, 2024, and for many people, it’s a 3-day weekend. Whether you’re planning to be by the pool or lake, or on a roadtrip, we hope you have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.
Memorial Day 2024 Travel
According to AAA, this will be the second highest Memorial Day holiday travel weekend since they first began tracking the statistics back in 2000. This year, they project 43.8 million travelers will venture 50 miles or more away from their home over the weekend. This is a 4% increase from last year. The highest record was back in 2005, with 44 million travelers.
The Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, Paula Twidale, highlights that these numbers exceed pre-pandemic levels. She also says this indicates “a very busy summer travel season ahead.”
When it comes to the type of travel, road trips are expected to set a record with around 38.4 million people traveling by car during the holiday weekend. This is the highest numbers since AAA started tracking.
Thankfully, when it comes to gas prices, we can expect numbers close to what it was last year, with the national average sitting around $3.57. But prices could go higher as Summer rolls in.
As for air travel, an expected 3.51 million people will travel by plan. This is an increase of 4.8% from 2023, and a 9% increase over 2019.
Best Time To Travel For Memorial Day Weekend
If you’re leaving on Thursday or Friday, it’s best to leave early to avoid commuters. And when it comes to your return trip, avoid afternoon hours on Sunday or Monday, since that’s when most people will also be returning.
See more of the best and worst times to travel during Memorial Day weekend HERE.
Staying In Town For Memorial Day 2024
If you’re not one of nearly 44 million people who will be traveling this year, the good news is that there are still plenty of events and activities going on around the CSRA for you and the family.
Let’s take a look at some events, and if we’re missing some, be sure to send us an email.
Augusta Events
Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, 2024 - AirDot Show At Augusta Regional Airport
The AirDot Show tour is coming to Augusta on Memorial Day weekend. The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team is coming to the Augusta Regional Airport on May 25th and 26th. See aerial maneuvers and breathtaking stunts. Some of the most skilled pilots in the world will display their epic skills. The Navy E/A-18 Growler Demo Team, the Attack Helicopter Demo, the Georgia State Patrol, and more are set to perform at the AirDot Show this year! Get more details HERE.
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Memorial Weekend Woof Market
The Memorial Weekend Woof Market is hosted by Peachy Event Co. Join Urban K9 for this first annual event for dog lovers starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Augusta.
There will be vendors, food, music, and a chance to schedule your pup for grooming. Urban K9 is a veteran-owned business.
Address: 501 Broad Street, Augusta, GA
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Memorial Day Adoption Event
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can stop by The Pawsh Place in Grovetown to meet over 40 adoptable dogs and cats from Augusta Animal Services. Dog & Cat Networking Agents have partnered with Augusta Animal Services to help get these wonderful animals adopted. Unfortunately, the Augusta shelter is full, and for more animals to be rescued, they need to make room.
Address: The Pawsh Place, 313 UN Court, Grovetown, GA
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Memorial Meet N' Greet
Team Stinkykiss Shelter Rescue Project is hosting a Memorial Meet N’ Greet at Hollywood Feed in Augusta. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. They will have many adoptable dogs on site for you to meet!
Address: 630 Crane Creek Drive, Suite 108, Augusta, GA
Monday, May 27, 2024 - Wear Blue: run to remember
Start your Memorial Day with a 5K run. This run is a living memorial to honor over 65,000 service members who have given their lives since the Vietnam War.
The run starts at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024 at Lake Olmstead Trailhead. The course will be the River Levee Trail.
This is a free event, but participants are asked to register HERE.
Address: 1 Milledge Road, Augusta, GA
North Augusta Events
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Augusta GreenJackets Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Show
For Memorial Day Weekend, the Augusta GreenJackets will host post-game fireworks. It’s one of the best fireworks shows in the CSRA for the holiday weekend. It’s also Sahlen Family Sundays at SRP Park. Arrive early for pre-game catch on the field for 30 minutes after gates open. And kids can run the bases after the game. First pitcj is at 6:05 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Address: 187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta, SC
Aiken Events
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Aiken Memorial Day Parade
The annual Aiken Memorial Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 25th starting at 10 a.m. The parade route will go along Park Avenue and Laurens Street. This event is a day to remember and show gratitude for those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Event in Aiken, SC by Aiken Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 25 2024 with 941 people interested and 87 people going.
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - City Of Aiken
On Saturday, May 25th, the City of Aiken Public Pool will open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. And on Sunday, May 26th, the pool will be open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting June 3rd, the pool will be open:
Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $3 per person for a 3-day pool pass. Family passes are also available.
Address: 427 Kershaw Street NE, Aiken, SC
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Aiken County Family YMCA
The Aiken County Family YMCA will kick off the summer season at their waterpark! All 4 pools, including the lap, splash pad, lazy river, and slide, will be open starting Saturday, May 25th at 10 a.m.
Address: 621 Trolley Line Road, Graniteville, SC
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