Though for some the federal holiday, which falls on May 26 this year, also signals the unofficial start of summer, there’s much more to know and value about Memorial Day — from its origins

Memorial Day arrives with parades, barbecues, car sales and a day off from work. But for those of us in uniform, the day carries a weight far deeper. As a newly commissioned Navy Reserve officer, I wear the same uniform that once clothed young men and women who never returned home — from Europe to the Pacific in World War II to the mountains of Vietnam to the Middle East.

From Arlington National Cemetery outside the nation's capital to the American burial ground in Normandy, France, presidents customarily commemorate Memorial Day on hallowed ground

Just three days before Memorial Day, the United States issued a new travel advisory for a popular European country. In the month of May the U.S. has issued warnings to 21 different countries ranging from a Level 1 "exercise normal precautions" to a Level 4 "do not travel" advisory.

Severe weather may put a damper on Memorial Day weekend travel plans for millions across the South, Plains and Mississippi Valley.

Many travelers could face dangerous weather conditions as thunderstorms are expected to plague a wide swath of the U.S. during Memorial Day weekend. Newsweek reached out to AccuWeather by email for comment.