Here’s what Memorial Day weekend has looked like since it became an official holiday in 1971

Memorial Day began in 1971. Jon Levy/ Getty

In 1971, a woman enjoyed her Memorial Day weekend with a bike ride, as Denver closed down roads near parks so people could enjoy their day.

Woman biking. Duane Howell/ Getty

Today, roads aren’t the only things that close on Memorial Day weekend. For example, government offices and even some schools close their doors to honor veterans.

Memorial Day weekend traffic at the Holland Tunnel in New York was a reality even back in 1975.

Traffic at the Holland Tunnel. New York Post Archives/ Getty

This year, over 37 million people are expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend.

In 1975, two children played on an abandoned mattress in the warm Memorial Day weather.

Children in 1975 during Memorial Day weekend. Denver Post/ Getty

Memorial Day has always been a day for families to have fun and be relaxed.

In 1973, however, the Coney Island beach was empty because of the cold and rainy weather.

Empty Coney Island. Jim Wells/ AP

Memorial Day in New York City in 1973 was colder than usual.

Though the skies were grey, some still tried to go to the beach that year.

Empty Coney Island during Memorial Day weekend. Jim Wells/ AP

Throughout the weekend, there was some rain and drizzle, but many still tried to enjoy their time off.

The campgrounds at some of the biggest state parks were overcrowded during the holiday weekend in 1978.

The campsite closed during Memorial Day weekend. Ed Maker/ Getty

The state parks are still considered a great way to spend your Memorial Day weekend, especially with the rise in camping and RVing during the pandemic.

Those who got in to the campsites in ’78 were able to enjoy the weekend by the campfire.

Campers during Memorial Day weekend. Ed Maker/ Getty

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer season, allowing many to reconnect with nature after the long winter months.

Other than the beach and traveling, the biggest Memorial Day activity has always been barbecuing.

People enjoy their Memorial Day barbecue. Nina Leen/ Getty

There are 818 hot dogs consumed every second from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to WalletHub, and in 2019, 60% of people planned to have a barbecue over the holiday weekend.

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A couple tied the knot aboard a hot air balloon during Memorial Day weekend in 1981.

Memorial Day weekend hot air balloon ride. Denver Post/ Getty

Memorial Day weekend is considered one of the best times of the year to say “I do.”

Also in 1981, a person was caught taking a break from moving homes during the holiday weekend.

A person sleeping during Memorial Day weekend. John Sunderland/ Getty

For most, Memorial Day weekend means an extended weekend, allowing many to nap or take care of bigger tasks.

Three women enjoy the warmer weather on a New York City rooftop during the holiday weekend in 1984.

Women sunbathing during Memorial Day weekend. New York Daily News Archive/ Getty

Lounging out in the sun is a typical Memorial Day activity.

In 1982, Southern California had a bright and sunny Memorial Day weekend, with many flocking to the beach.

Beach during Memorial Day weekend. Doug Pizac/ AP

The beach is one of the best places to spend Memorial Day weekend.

Some visit memorials in Washington, DC during the holiday weekend, like this family looking at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1983.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Bob Daugherty/ AP

The World War II Memorial in Washington, DC is a great place to honor the nation’s history.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush attended a Memorial Day parade in Maine.

President George H.W. Bush at a Memorial Day parade. Marcy Nighswander/ AP

Parades are common on Memorial Day throughout the country, and it’s a great way to honor fallen soldiers. This year, DC, Chicago, and Detroit announced they will host parades after canceling in 2020 due to the coronavirus.

The following year, in 1991, President George H.W. Bush was spotted again in Maine during the holiday weekend. But this time he was fishing on a boat.

President George H.W. Bush fishing during Memorial Day weekend. Scott Perry/ AP

The holiday weekend is the perfect time for many outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and swimming.

In 1996, some people traveled to Venice Beach in California to enjoy entertainment and the warm weather during the holiday weekend.

Tourists watch an entertainer on Venice Beach. Nick Ut/ AP

Years later, Venice Beach is still a popular Memorial Day weekend destination, with an entire schedule of activities.

In 1996, this family remembered those we’ve lost.

Family at a grave site during Memorial Day weekend. Chris Pizzello/ AP

Memorial Day isn’t always about sunshine and barbecues.

Boy scouts in Kentucky have been placing American flags at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery on Memorial Day weekend for decades, like this boy in 1997.

Boy scout honoring Memorial Day. Michael Clevenger/ AP

In 2018, 6,000 Scouts placed 90,000 flags at the graveyard.

For some, the weekend is about having fun, like this boy in 1997.

Boy plays with silly string in 1997. The Boston Globe/ Getty

It’s the perfect time to reconnect with friends and family to have a bit of outdoor fun.

In New York, every Memorial Day weekend is Fleet Week, where Navy sailors dock at the West Side Piers and take in the city, like in this photo from 1999.

Sailors during Fleet Week. Ed Bailey/ AP

When the sailors alight from the ships, people are able to explore the ships and learn about the Navy. It’s still a popular Memorial Day weekend tradition today, but this year, it will be virtual.

In 2020, many traditions changed in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Parks in 2020. Icon Sportswire / Getty

While traveling, beach-going, parties, and barbecues were popular in the past, Memorial Day looked quite different last year. Many wore masks and stood 6 feet apart.

This year, Memorial Day will look a bit more like the traditional holiday weekend we know and love.

The beach in 2021. AP Photo/Ashley Landis

More than a year after the pandemic started, half of the adult population in the US has received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, so masks mandates have been lifted, leading many to book travel, plan parties, and enjoy the great outdoors again.

Some events are still canceled or will remain virtual, as coronavirus is still a threat in the US.

Of course, for American soldiers, Memorial Day has a meaning all its own.

Solider places a flag at a gravestone. Getty

In the end, Memorial Day is about remembering those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our country, and that has been — and always will be — the holiday’s longest-running tradition.

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