Since 1971, Memorial Day has been a nationally recognized holiday; but what are its origins?
Besides all the traveling and barbecuing that has become a mainstay of this three-day-weekend, at its core Memorial Day is a direct response to the aftermath of the American Civil War, a callback to both sides decorating the graves of their dead.
Waterloo, N.Y. was named the birthplace of Memorial day, but many other towns still contest for that title to this day.
For more than 40 years, Memorial Day has been officially celebrated on the last Monday of May.
See 15 Mouthwatering BBQ Photos
Smoked pork hot link with collard greens and mac and cheese at Jim 'N Nicks Bar-B-Q in Birmingham, Ala.Andrew HetheringtonFried chicken at Husk in Charleston, S.C., named "Best New Restaurant in America" by Bon Appétit in 2011.Andrew HetheringtonCatfish with a selection of sides (including large lima beans, fresh green beans, collard greens, boiled cabbage, fresh mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts) from the daily cafeteria menu at Niki's West in Birmingham, Ala.Andrew HetheringtonHoleman & Finch Public House in Atlanta infamously serves only 24 burgers a night, at around 10 pm. Get there early; they almost always sell out.Andrew HetheringtonJames Beard award-winning chef Sean Brock holding house-cured meat at McCrady's in Charleston, S.C.Andrew HetheringtonWhole pig ready to be butchered at Husk in Charleston, S.C.Andrew HetheringtonSmoked pork ribs with watermelon pickle at Cochon in New OrleansAndrew HetheringtonMenu display at Gus's Hot Dogs in Birmingham, Ala.Andrew HetheringtonHot dog on the griddle at Gus's in Birmingham, Ala.Andrew HetheringtonThe finished product at Gus's in Birmingham, Ala.Andrew HetheringtonAll 24 burgers on the griddle at the same time at Holeman & Finch Public House in Atlanta.Andrew HetheringtonHouse-cured meat at Star Provisions in Atlanta.Andrew HetheringtonBread for sandwiches and hamburgers at the soda fountain in Add Drug in Athens, Ga. The store is well known for the best-value lunch in town.Andrew HetheringtonCrawfish boil on the banks of the Mississippi in New Orleans with chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski of Cochon restaurant. The crawfish are cooked with lemons, garlic, and salt, then tossed with Old Bay and Cajun spices before being dumped on a plastic table for eating.Andrew HetheringtonLemon meringue pie at Niki's West in Birmingham, Ala.Andrew Hetherington
