The Memorial Day travel rush is on. DALLAS (AP) — People began loading up their cars and jumping on planes across the U.S. on Thursday as the long Memorial Day weekend kicked off. Even as politics and the nation's aging air traffic infrastructure rattle the U.S. travel industry, Americans were expected to get away in record numbers.

Though for some the federal holiday, which falls on May 26 this year, also signals the unofficial start of summer, there’s much more to know and value about Memorial Day — from its origins

Costa Mesa: This ceremony, now in its 71st year, will honor the fallen at 11 a.m. at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Ave., and is set to include a missing man flyover, as well as a WWII transport flyover, speakers, musical presentations and a wreath laying ceremony.

Ridgeland held a Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memory Park, featuring state leaders and tributes to military service members.