Memorial Day 2008

Memorial Day is a star-crossed federal holiday -- though some view it as the unofficial kickoff to the summer season, it's also a somber time to honor the nation's war dead.

Some area observances were held Sunday, and many more will take place today.

Wake County

AT THE CAPITOL: Veterans and costumed re-enactors representing three centuries of military tradition will answer questions about the evolution of American military uniforms and equipment, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today on the state Capitol grounds, 1 E. Edenton St., downtown Raleigh. The Marine Corps League will conduct a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of North Carolinians who served during times of war. It will take place at noon at the Veterans' Monument, followed by a 21-gun salute. The Capitol will be open for self-guided tours. Families are encouraged to explore the monuments on the square with a scavenger hunt for all ages. 733-4994 or www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol.

MUSEUM OF HISTORY: Seven exhibits recount the experiences of North Carolinians at war, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. 807-7900 or ncmuseumofhistory.org.

* A Call to Arms: N.C. Military History Gallery: See artifacts from 11 wars, from the American Revolution to the war in Iraq. The gallery is filled with weapons, uniforms, home front items, photographs and other objects from wars that have touched thousands of Tar Heels.

* A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans: Photo exhibit reflects the experiences of service personnel from the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina during their tours in Vietnam.

* Carbine Williams: See the original workshop of David Marshall "Carbine" Williams, the self-taught gunsmith from North Carolina who helped design the U.S. Carbine, caliber .30, M1, which became a favorite weapon of American forces in World War II, the Korean War and the early years of Vietnam.

* Everybody's War: North Carolina and World War II: This exhibit recounts the experiences of North Carolinians who lived, served and sacrificed during World War II. Everybody's War brings these stories to life by showcasing military and home front items, government posters, newsreel clips, personal belongings, photographs and other artifacts.

* North Carolina in the American Revolution: A traveling exhibit organized by the Society of the Cincinnati in Washington, D.C., focuses on North Carolina's contributions to the American Revolution and highlights the distinct path the state took during the war. The exhibit appears in the gallery A Call to Arms.

* 'Showboat': The USS North Carolina (BB 55): A small exhibit featuring photographs, artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of the USS North Carolina.

* Weapons of World War II: A small exhibit of armaments used by American, German and Japanese forces during World War II.

SENIOR CELEBRATION: Residents of The Heritage of Raleigh honor veterans and deceased veterans and their spouses with a Memorial Day program today. Veterans from World War II and conflicts in Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan will be represented. Speakers will include a veteran from the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, and Rep. Grier Martin. An honor guard from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base also will be featured. The Heritage Singers will sing patriotic songs to honor the veterans. 10:30 a.m. at the residence, 1200 Carlos Drive at Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh. Contact Jim Walton, 606-1334.

CARY: Memorial Day service with American Legion Cary Post 67, 10 a.m. today at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Cary. An open house at the Post will follow the ceremony, 8523 Chapel Hill Road between Harrison Avenue and Academy Street. 481-4811.