The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

COLUMBIA, MO. -- For many Americans, Memorial Day means a long weekend full of barbeques and family and friends.

But we should never forget why this holiday is observed: to honor those who paid the ultimate price for serving their country.

KRCG's Meghan Lane looked at customs, some long forgotten, that will help you prepare to honor our fallen soldiers on memorial day.

That's Saturday’s Facebook story of the day

"I just say God bless America," Rhonda Hawk said.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday always observed on the last Monday in May.

It actually hasn't always been called Memorial day, it use to be known as Decoration Day, commemorating US soldiers who died while serving in the military.

Decoration Day was first put into place to honor Union and Confederate soldiers after the Civil War

It was then extended after WWI to honor Americans who died in all wars.

In 1967 the name changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day.

Hundreds of people came out to honor veterans at the Columbia air show Saturday.

For many, this air show wasn't their first.

"I use to help volunteer out here for about 10 years but now I just come out and enjoy the show," veteran Earl Malizia said.

I asked Veteran Joseph Ayers what Memorial Day means to him.

“Life, it's that simple," Veteran Joseph Ayers said.

For the past three years Joseph Ayers has driven from Sacramento, California to Columbia just to see the air show.

Many Americans this weekend will honor our veterans by visiting cemeteries and memorials.

"I have flags that I set up and down our neighborhood posted at everybody's drive," Hawk said.

At 3 p.m. Monday afternoon there will be a national moment of remembrance.

Another tradition Monday is flying the united states flag at half staff from dawn until noon.