Over the weekend, the United States of America commemorated Memorial Day to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, more US cities and states are shrugging off lingering COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and the number of infections falls.
Massachusetts lifted a mask requirement Saturday, a day after New Jersey dropped its mandate. In New York City and Chicago, officials reopened public beaches, though winds and cool temperatures kept crowds away.
"Welcome back, Chicago," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a video announcement. "The lakefront is open."
Chicago's Navy Pier also reopened retail stores and restaurants, carnival rides, and tour boats and cruises after the pandemic forced months-long closures at the busy tourist destination.
In neighboring Massachusetts, Gov Charlie Baker lifted a mask mandate effective Saturday, though face coverings are still required in certain places, including on public transportation.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park before the Red Sox played the Miami Marlins on the first day that Massachusetts dropped limits on crowd sizes. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said about 24,000 tickets were sold.
Millions of Americans planned to travel over the long weekend, and airports reported some of their highest traffic since the pandemic began.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May to honour and mourn the soldiers who died while serving in the U.S. Military. On this day every year, people visit cemeteries and memorials . Many place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.
People watch a Memorial Day weekend parade on May 29, 2021 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. | AFP
Roy Atherton salutes as he places American flags at graves ahead of Memorial Day in the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California on May 29, 2021. | AFP
American flags are pictured in front of graves ahead of Memorial Day in the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California on May 29, 2021. | AFP
A boy scout places miniature American flags at graves ahead of Memorial Day in the Los Angeles National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California on May 29, 2021. | AFP
Margie Tirado watches a holiday parade on May 29, 2021 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. | AFP
Members of the St. James High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps participate in a holiday parade on May 29, 2021 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. | AFP
Members of the St. James High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps participate in a Memorial Day weekend parade on May 29, 2021 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. | AFP
Supporters of Palestine look a Memorial Day installation as other demonstrators hold a pro-Palestine rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on May 29, 2021. | AFP
eople walk through the Santa Monica pier ahead of Memorial Day in Santa Monica, California on May 29, 2021. | AFP
With inputs from AP.
