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Hello, summertime!
It’s Memorial Day, and Americans will celebrate the unofficial start of summer with backyard barbecues and beach bashes — as well as solemn tributes to fallen members of the military.
President Obama and the first lady plan to visit Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Afterward, they’ll attend services at the cemetery, along with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Washington will also host a massive parade featuring marching bands and veterans units from all 50 states.
In New York, parades are planned all around town:
* The United War Veterans Memorial Day Parade on Brooklyn’s Third Avenue starts at 11 a.m.
* The United Staten Island Veterans Association Parade starts at noon on Forest Avenue.
* The Glendale Memorial Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Myrtle Avenue in Queens.
* The Inwood Memorial Day Parade begins at noon on Broadway and Dyckman Street in upper Manhattan.
Also today, the Intrepid is hosting its annual Memorial Day ceremony on the ship/museum’s flight deck at 11 a.m.
Those who want to combine a beach outing with a high-flying air show can watch military and private stunt planes over Jones Beach.
Governor’s Island will host the second day of the Brewers’ picNYC, featuring craft beers and some of the city’s most popular food trucks.
In any case, expect traffic-clogged roads with temperatures in the low to mid-80s, amid a threat of thunderstorms.
What’s closed today
* City, state and federal offices are closed.
* There is no regular mail service.
* Public schools are closed.
* Stock and commodity exchanges are closed.
* Mass transit is on a Sunday schedule.
* All alternate-side-parking and meter regulations are suspended.
* There is no garbage pickup or recycling collection.