Do you know the history behind Memorial Day?

According to the National Cemetery Administration, Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was formalized in 1868 by a "Memorial Day Order" issued by Grand Army of the Republic commander in chief John A. Logan. Communities decorated soldiers' graves with flowers. The modern proclamation calls citizens "to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace."

However you plan to spend your holiday weekend, Gulf Coast Media has a list of events happening for you to enjoy. Kick off the weekend at Heritage Park for a little shopping, live entertainment and a movie. Downtown OWA has a full weekend of free family fun planned with entertainment and fireworks. Nature and bird lovers will enjoy a Saturday morning cruise to Gaillard Island, a pelican rookery. For the "sip a cocktail to live music while the children play" crowd, LuLuPalooza is for you. Finally, The Wharf kicks off Red, White + Wharf this Monday.

If our list missed the mark for you, visit our event calendar at www.GulfCoastMedia.com for more events happening this weekend or beyond. Search for events by distance from your home city or vacation spot.

Music and a Movie in Heritage Park

• What: Music and a Movie and Heritage Park Marketplace returns. Vendors will sell plants, vegetables, fruits and gift items starting at 4 p.m. Live music by Justin Colvard begins at 6 p.m. and the movie, "Elemental" begins at dusk. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy watching a movie under the stars.
• When: Friday, May 24, 4-7 p.m.
• Where: Heritage Park, 125 E. Lauren Ave., Foley

Aloha Summer Kickoff

• What: Kick off summer with a weekend full of free fun in Downtown OWA. Enjoy lawn games, activities, live music and fireworks. Don't miss the Dive-In Movie at Big Water Bay featuring the movie "Lilo and Stitch," (a ticket to Tropic Falls is required).
• When: Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26, times vary
• Where: OWA Parks & Resort, 101 – N S. OWA Blvd., Foley
• Price: Downtown OWA activities are free.

Cruise to Gaillard Island

• What: Gaillard Island is one of the largest pelican rookeries on the northern Gulf Coast. Cruise to Gaillard Island with the folks at Blakeley State Park and see more than 20,000 pelicans along with other species of terns, gulls, herons and egrets that call the island home. To book a ticket, visit www.blakeleystatepark.com.
• When: Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. to noon
• Where: Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort
• Price: $35.99 for adults and $25.99 for children

LuLuPalooza: All Day Music at LuLu's

• What: Spend a day rocking out at LuLu's during the annual LuLuPalooza. The family-friendly day doesn't stop with music, climb the Mountain of Youth ropes course or with prizes in the arcade.
• When: Saturday, May 25, 1-9 p.m.
• Where: LuLu's Gulf Shores, 200 E. 25th Ave., Gulf Shores
• Price: Free to attend

Red, White + Wharf

• What: Every Monday night during the summer season, head to The Wharf for a fun evening for the whole family. Enjoy entertainment from magicians, stilt walkers, balloon artists and sick beats from DJ Matt.
• When: Mondays; May 27-July 29, 6-9 p.m.
• Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
• Price: Free to attend