Holiday Hours: Memorial Day

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Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army
Arlington National Cemetery is the nation's first federal military cemetery. A ceremony is held each Memorial Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Memorial Day is being celebrated Monday, May 25. It is a federal holiday observing the sacrifices of the nation's servicemen and -women. It started as a day to decorate the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers, particularly in the South, and many states adopted the day as Decoration Day to commemorate all U.S. soldiers after World War I.

Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday in 1971 by Congress. It falls on the last Monday in May.

Closed:
Federal, state and local offices; no mail delivery.
Banks
Public colleges and schools, most private schools
Public libraries
Most offices and businesses


BRTA is not running; office is closed

Open:
Most retail outlets, groceries
Restaurants and bars, by choice
Convenience stores

Memorial Day parades and observances can be found here

The state Department of Transportation is urging the public to plan ahead if traveling Memorial Day Weekend, and to expect an increased volume of travelers this year.

All scheduled road work around the Memorial Day Weekend is postponed. 

The Cape Flyer begins service on Friday, May 22, through Sept. 7; veterans, active-duty personnel and guests can ride free on Sunday, May 24, to Hyannis for the annual Troops in the Spotlight event. Find the full schedule here.

Sign up at the 511 Traveler Information Service to receive personalized travel information alerts via email, text or telephone. MassDOT as always reminds drivers to avoid using cell phones while driving. Call into the 511 service before departing. Download Waze, the real-time traffic navigation app that provides motorists with real-time traffic conditions across Massachusetts.

Friday is projected to be the heaviest travel day.

"Memorial Day weekend consistently brings some of the highest travel volumes of the year on Massachusetts roadways," said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. "We encourage travelers to plan ahead, make use of resources such as Mass511 for real-time traffic information, and avoid distractions behind the wheel to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely."  
 

Tags: holiday hours,   Memorial Day,   

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Adams Creates Time Capsule to Be Opened in 25 Years

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — As America celebrated its 250th anniversary, Adams looked toward the future by creating a time capsule to preserve pieces of the community for future generations.
 
During the town's 250th celebration, hundreds of people explored Greylock Glen, visiting vendors by local businesses and educational organizations that showcased exhibits connecting the community's past with its future.
 
Among them was the time capsule, which will be reopened 25 years from now. Attendees put pen to cardstock to reflect on the celebration, current events, the community, and their hopes for the area's future. 
 
The letters were then sealed with red wax and placed inside a glass container, preserving their thoughts for future generations.
 
Some participants spent more than 15 minutes at the tables reflecting on what they wanted to preserve for future generations, volunteer Nancy Garton said. 
 
"People were curious," she said, adding that it was touching to see people participating in history as it was being made. 
 
One woman shared that contributing to the time capsule made her feel connected to the future, as if she would still be present 25 years from now, Garton said. 
 
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