The long weekend is finally here, but let's not forget why Memorial Day exists.

1 - The weather for the Memorial Day weekend isn't going to be ideal. Clouds will increase this morning and we'll experience showers and storms by this afternoon. WQAD Meteorologist Taylor Graham has the weekend forecast details here.

2 - How much do you know about the origins of Memorial Day. According to HistoryNewsNetwork.com, On May 1, 1865, freed slaves gathered in Charleston, South Carolina to commemorate the death of Union soldiers and the end of the American Civil War. Three years later, General John Logan issued a special order that May 30, 1868 be observed as Decoration Day, the first Memorial Day.

3 - Win tickets to see the original 'boys of summer' this weekend. From 6pm today through Memorial Day, head to our website for your chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to see The Beach Boys LIVE on July 13th at the Adler Theatre. Enter to win at KIIK1049.com. More entertainment news when we do That Hollywood Thing at around 8:40am.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, and don't forget to honor all those who fought for our rights on every battlefield - on the ground, in our schools, and in the press.

- Craig

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