Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Many people throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, unofficially marks the beginning of summer Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.