After a difficult year in 2020, nothing sounds better to us than warmer weather, blue skies, and a long weekend where we can finally gather together safely with our friends and family. So if you're like us, you're eagerly awaiting the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is often thought of as the unofficial start of summer, and the long weekend traditionally involves a cookout of some sort, a spread of classic Memorial Day desserts, a patriotic playlist of fun tunes, and valuable time spent with family. To pump yourself up and get into the spirit of the day, check out some Memorial Day quotes that remind us why we're proud to be Americans.And to that end, it's important to remember that this holiday is about so much more than a cookout. First and foremost, it's observed to remember those who fought for our freedom — the heroes who gave their lives to protect the prosperity of our country. We hope you'll choose to pause and remember them this year and to remind your children and family members to do the same. Still, no matter what your plans are for the weekend, you may be wondering: When is Memorial Day Weekend 2021? After all, we all know that the holiday comes around every May, but its exact date changes year to year. Here, we're sharing the exact date for 2021, as well as some of the history of Memorial Day.When is Memorial Day Weekend 2021?This year, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 31, 2021. The date changes every year, but there actually is a method to the madness: Memorial Day is always held on the last Monday in May. What is the history of Memorial Day?Memorial Day was created to honor the brave people who died while serving in the U.S. Military. One of the very first known observances took place way back on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina, right after the end of the Civil War, according to the History Channel. A group of freed enslaved men, women, and children had buried the bodies of Union soldiers after Confederate soldiers evacuated Charleston. On May 1, people gathered for a parade in the fallen soldiers' honor, singing hymns and placing flowers at the fighters' graves. A few years later, Union General John A. Logan declared there be a date of remembrance for those who died during the Civil War. He chose May 30, 1868, because it wasn't already the anniversary of a battle. However, the Southern states opted to create their own day specifically for Confederate soldiers. As a matter of fact, there are nine states that still hold a commemoration for the people who fought for the Confederacy. Though people certainly continued holding tributes for the fallen, Memorial Day was unofficial for many more years. Decades later, in 1950, U.S. Congress agreed upon a resolution asking the president to "issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe...Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace." Then, in 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, which declared that Memorial Day would occur on the final Monday in May. It also required a day off from work for federal employees. Finally, in 1971, the anniversary officially became a federal holiday.