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From the Washington, DC to cities across the country, communities are pausing to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom this Memorial Day.

Freedom isn't free: Emotional ceremony in Freedom Memorial Park in Fayetteville 

RAINFALL WE'RE EXPECTING AS WE HEAD INTO THE NEXT 2 DAYS FROM THE NATION'S CAPITAL TO CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. COMMUNITIES ARE HONORING THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR OUR FREEDOMS. >> JUST A SHORT TIME AGO, PEOPLE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY GATHERED FOR A SPECIAL SERVICE AT FREEDOM MEMORIAL PARK. OUR FAYETTEVILLE REPORTER, GILBERT BAIZE WAS THERE TO HONOR THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DIED ON THE BATTLEFIELD. AND GILBERT, I KNOW YOU AS A FORMER RANGER QUALIFIED OFFICER WHO SERVED AT FORT BRAGG. I KNOW THIS WAS A VERY MOVING EVENT FOR YOU. >> WELL, JEFF, YES, IT'S ALWAYS A MOVING EVENT FOR ME, BUT ALSO FOR THE COUNTIES AMERICANS ACROSS THIS COUNTRY WHO HAVE HAD FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WHO HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN WAR. BUT IT'S ALSO EXTRA SPECIAL FOR THOSE OF US WHO CHOOSE TO LIVE HERE IN FAYETTEVILLE, IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY BECAUSE OF OUR FRIENDS WHO PROUDLY SERVED AT FORT BRAGG SOON BECOME FOR LIBERTY. NOW IT DID NOT RAIN HERE THIS MORNING DURING THE CEREMONY, BUT THE WEATHER MAY HAVE IMPACTED THE SIZE OF THE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE. >> BUT HE DID NOT DAMPEN THE SPIRIT OF THOSE WHO CAME OUT TO HONOR THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. >> FOR OUR COUNTRY, WE HAVE REACHED THAT WERE POSTED AT MONUMENTS THAT REMEMBER THE FALLEN THAT JUST ABOUT EVERY WAR, WHICH AMERICANS FOUGHT AND DIED. >> AND JUST ABOUT ANYONE IN THIS CROWD TO TELL YOUR STORY ABOUT A LOVED ONE OR FRIEND WHO SERVED AND WHY THIS DAY IS EXTRA SPECIAL. >> YOU KNOW THIS, ESPECIALLY GUYS AND GALS JUST BEEN DEPLOYED A LOT. WE LOOK AT IT A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT. WE CONTINUE TO THINK ABOUT THOSE GUYS AND GALS THAT WE LOST WHEN COME BACK EVERY DAY AND RELIVE NEVER FAR FROM OUR MIND BECAUSE THOSE ARE OUR FRIENDS. OUR COMRADES. >> NOW THE FOLLOW ON WITH A GUN SALUTE AND THE RENDERING OF TAPS. AS YOU CAN HEAR AND THOSE STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR DURING THE WAR WERE REMEMBERED WITH THE MISSING MAN TABLE CEREMONY. YOU KNOW, WHILE ALL THIS WAS GOING ON, I WAS MAKING MY WAY AROUND THE MEMORIAL PARK HERE. AND I'M JUST TAKING SOME PICTURES. I HAD A GUY WHO CAME UP TO ME AND ASKED ME, SIR, DO YOU KNOW IF THE NAMES ON THIS VIETNAM MEMORIAL ARE GOING TO BE READ ALOUD? AND I TOLD HIM I WAS UNSURE AND ASKED HIM WHY HE SAID, WELL, I HAD AN AWFUL LOT OF FRIENDS WHO DIED IN VIETNAM. HE SAID THAT WITH A LOT OF EMOTION, JEFF, HE HELD HIS HEAD DOWN AND HE JUST WALKED AWAY. JEFF AND EVERYBODY LISTENING. MAKE SURE YOU ENJOY YOUR DAY OFF THIS IS A DAY THAT YOU REMEMBER THE FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. >> DO WE KNOW? THAT'S AND GILBERT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> WE NEVER WANT TO FORGET THE MEANING BEHIND THIS HOLIDAY. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS AND SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN TOOK PART IN THE ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY TRADITION AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. AS PART OF THE 100 55TH NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE. PRESIDENT BIDEN DELIVERED THE ADDRESS AT MEMORIAL AMPHITHEATER. THIS IS A LIVE LOOK AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER WHERE HE TOOK PART IN A WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY EARLIER AS WELL. THIS WAS BIDEN'S 3RD SPEECH SINCE TAKING OFFICE THERE. SECRETARY AUSTIN ALSO DELIVER REMARKS. >> THROUGHOUT THE ANNALS OF HISTORY. OUR TROOPS HAVE FOUGHT FOR OUR DEMOCRACY. AND IF THAT, SIR DIED FOR IT. TODAY, THEIR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE AND THAT OF THEIR FAMILIES. THAT GOES FAR BEYOND. BOTH SILENT STONES OUT THERE. >> THE FIRST OFFICIAL DECORATION DAY WAS HELD AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY ON MAY. 30TH 18. 68 FOLLOWING THE CIVIL WAR. THE HOLIDAY BECAME OFFICIALLY KNOWN AS MEMORIAL DAY IN 1971. >> THERE ARE MANY EVENTS HAPPENING TODAY IN OUR AREA TO HONOR SERVICE MEMBERS WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE. HERE'S A LOOK AT JUST A FEW OF THEM. RALEIGH POST, ONE OF THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL HOLD A SERVICE AT THE RALEIGH NATIONAL CEMETERY ON ROCK QUARRY ROAD. THAT'S A 02:00PM. THE RALEIGH CONCERT BAND WILL START PLAYING AT ONE 30 IN PLAY FOR 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THAT SERVICE KERRY'S MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCES AT 2.30, THIS AFTERNOON. THAT SAID A SPECIAL FIELD OF FLAGS AT VETERANS FREEDOM PARK PARKING IS AVAILABLE AT CARY ACADEMY AND THERE WILL BE HIS SHUTTLE BETWEEN THE 2 LOCATIONS. YOU CAN FIND A FULL LIST OF MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES IN THE WRAL APP

Fayetteville remembers fallen troops

Fayetteville Memorial Day

Air Force veteran killed in Goldsboro Family Dollar robbery during Memorial Day weekend

Alexander Thomas

NC political strategist and noted NC State alum dies in boating accident

Conen Morgan

6 adults, 3 children injured in shooting near beach in Hollywood, Florida; all in stable condition

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Child dies after being hit by vehicle while riding scooter in Apex neighborhood

Child dies after being hit by car on scooter in Apex neighborhood

Smooth travel day at RDU highlight changes made to make holiday travel easier

Fayetteville Police: Altercation leads to death of one man, another man arrested.

Joshua Tashun Joyce

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Although Durham police numbers show a strong record in solving homicides in 2023, chief Patrice Andrews says DPD's clearance rate for all violent crimes is not where she wants it to be.

Cooperation the biggest hurdle for Durham police in violent crime investigations

Durham police chief says department needs more communication to help investigations

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) â A cruise ship that navigated rough seas off the South Carolina coast over the Memorial Day weekend has resumed sailing on its next cruise, Carnival Cruise Lines said Monday.

Cruise ship passengers left terrified after ship sails through rough seas on return to Charleston

Carnival cruise

Wake Forest (47-10) claimed the top overall seed Monday when the NCAA announced the field of 64 teams to vie for the College World Series.

Wake Forest lands top overall seed; NC State will face Campbell in NCAA baseball tournament that begins this week

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Raleigh police are working to figure out what caused two cars to go up in flames overnight.

Two cars mysteriously catch fire in Raleigh overnight, police investigating month-long pattern

Police investigate why 2 cars caught fire overnight in Raleigh apartment complex

The National Weather Service said while weather was nasty enough to keep most people out of the water on Saturday, lifeguards reported 10 rescues on Sunday and another eight on Monday.

Rough Memorial weekend weather includes 1 death, 18 rip current rescues

Rip current rescue

WASHINGTON (AP) â President Joe Biden lauded the sacrifice of generations of U.S. troops who âdared all and gave allâ fighting for their country and called on Americans to ensure their âsacrifice was not in vainâ in Memorial Day observances at Arlington National Cemetery.

Biden on Memorial Day lauds generations of fallen US troops who 'dared all and gave all'

Biden marks Memorial Day nearly 2 years after ending America's longest war, lauds troops' sacrifice

David Crabtree, former WRAL anchor and now CEO of PBS North Carolina, is spending Memorial Day in Jerusalem. 

David Crabtree: Memorial Day in the Holy Land a reminder of our hard-won freedoms

David Crabtree, former WRAL anchor and now CEO of PBS North Carolina

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has for years argued that prescription drug prices in the United States are too high and claimed in a CNN interview that the prices Americans pay are sometimes 10 times what people in other countries pay.

Fact check: Sanders says prescription drug prices are '10 times' higher in the US

Defending Starbucks, Schultz Spars With Party That Once Embraced Him

A few showers and even storms are possible through Monday night, capping off a rainy and unseasonably cool Memorial Day weekend. But summer should arrive by the end of the week.

A gray start Tuesday as warmer weather returns by end of week

Gray start, May 30

According to authorities, the passenger is currently in jail on numerous charges. This story contains video some readers may find disturbing due to the graphic nature of the material.

Caught on camera: Charlotte bus driver, passenger exchange gunshots

Video of bus shootout in Charlotte shows passenger, bus driver exchanging shots

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North Carolina lighthouses guide: Including how to get tickets, what days they are open and how to get there.

Lighthouse road trip: Here's how to visit each of NC's iconic lighthouses 

NC lighthouses tour: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

At Participate Learning's annual Model UN, middle school-aged students in Conexiones programs tackle major issues and practice skills such as critical thinking and public speaking, all in Spanish. 

Students debate, solve major challenges at Bilingual Model UN

Spotlight: Sponsored: Students debate, solve major challenges at Bilingual Model UN

A water park opening this summer in Wake Forest will have kids and adults rediscovering their love of the water.

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park makes a splash in renewed Wake County quarry

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

A growing number of Hindu faithful now call the town of Cary home as well as their center of worship.



Look inside Cary's Sri Venkateswara temple

Sri Venkateswara temple in Cary

Longtime WRAL News Anchor Debra Morgan continues extraordinary run; Journalist Ashley Rowe joins WRAL News Team


WRAL announces new on-air anchor assignments

WRAL News evening anchor teams May 2023

Don't Miss It

A year after numerous flights were delayed and canceled at RDU, travelers noted a much smoother experience at the airport this Memorial Day weekend.

Massive travel day goes smoothly at RDU

Tar Heel Traveler: Harnett County's Silver Star

How to cut back on your laundry habits

Fact Check: Does the United States pay more for prescription drugs?

No relaxation for passengers on cruise ship rocked off SC coast

Whale researcher: Orca 'attacks' may be whales' form of play

Orcas attacking boats in eastern Atlantic

Video Central

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Durham to expand hours, locations for unarmed first responders

Local News

Lucky ticket! Durham man spends $10, wins $1 million prize 

Stress test for airlines as millions travel home after holiday weekend

Driver facing charges after 61-year-old pedestrian hit and killed by SUV in Cary

Fayetteville woman dies after being shot in her apartment

Impeachment trial of Texas' Ken Paxton to begin no later than August 28

Nation/World

Orcas sank 3 boats in southern Europe in the last year, scientists say

With debt limit deal in hand, McCarthy and Biden turn to task of selling it

As rising oceans threaten NYC, study documents another risk: The city is sinking

Russia targets Kyiv with largest drone attack of conflict, killing one

Singer-songwriter Ryan Adams returned to Raleigh for a 2023 Memorial Day weekend show.

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals rock a rainy Red Hat Amphitheater

ryanadams14

Raleigh Parks and Recreation gear up for Memorial Day weekend pool openings 

Raleigh Parks and Recreation officials say they are better staffed and ready for this year's pool opening

Scotty McCreery to be inducted into NC Music Hall of Fame 

Full interview: Scotty McCreery talks new album

Foodie News: Check out Raleigh's newest wine bar, food festivals in Triangle

Closed sign

Jeni's ice cream opening Raleigh location in Village District with free scoops 

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Out & About

Fact check: Tim Scott says Black homeownership has been static for decades

Politifact

Fact check: House member says GOP debt-ceiling bill doesn't threaten veterans' programs

Fact check: Biden says GOP budget would cut law enforcement jobs

With abortion vote, did Tricia Cotham flip-flop on protecting reproductive rights?

Fact check: Why is a Republican senator blocking military promotions?

Gov. Cooper traveling state to drum up public support against Republican legislation

NC Capitol

With veto weakened and 2024 elections looming, Cooper steps to the bully pulpit

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending May 25

The Wrap: Republican reckoning, Blue Cross battle, Cooper's crusade

 Two GOP lawmakers lose leadership roles after comments critical of Black colleagues

Hillside high school gives students hands-on financial education with in-school bank 

Education

Wake County program makes preschool free for families struggling with costs

Wake Three School gives all families a chance to enter preschool

Bill remaking Nash school board clears NC Senate

On same day, two adults charged with threats against schools in Durham, Fuquay-Varina

Durham company grows human blood vessels, sends them to wounded Ukraine soldiers

WRAL In Depth

Climate change is moving hurricane risks farther inland

In Depth with Dan: Duke Energy balances profits, production

Talk about electric shock: Here's why Duke Energy could double your monthly power bill in the coming years

'We could never pay this back': State sends dozens of retirees into debt due to unchecked error

Blaney wins Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte to end winless drought

WRALSportsFan

The NBA Finals are set: It's the Heat and the Nuggets for the Larry O'Brien Trophy

Brownlow's Twitter Mailbag: Will NC State's title drought ever end?

Manzardo Mashes 4 Hits, Bulls Batter 'Shrimp 13-2

Charlotte Catholic 5-star Blanca Thomas commits to UNC

Statewide Scoreboard: Baseball & Softball Regional Series

HighSchoolOT

1A Baseball: North Moore ousts Voyager Academy with 6-5 win, heads to state title series

Led by pitcher Crider, two freshmen step up for Wake Forest in season's biggest game

Spring Football Practice Report: Mount Airy

Spring Football Practice Report: Grimsley

After WRAL's Five on Your Side told the story of one couple who was ordered to pay back over $240,000 after an error cause overpayments for decades. The story had many viewers concerned of how this happened, and if their retirement will be affected.

Viewers raise concerns about NC Retirement System after 5 On Your Side investigation

After 5 on Your Side shared the story of Joseph and Penny Glenn, who owed the state over $240,000 after an error by the Retirement System overpaid them for 17 years, viewers were left asking how this even happened.

How secure is your retirement? Viewers share concerns after 5 on Your Side investigation into State Retirement System errors

Letter sent to Joseph and Penny Glenn

Three bystanders helped Durham County deputies wrestle a hit-and-run suspect to the ground, body camera video shows.

Body camera video shows chase, arrest of hit-and-run suspect

Deputies' video shows father helped wrestle son to ground during his arrest after deadly hit-and-run crash

Durham County deputies arrested Blake Grady on Dec. 4, 2022.

The House passed a sports wagering bill in late March. The Senate's proposal makes significant changes to the legislation.

NC lawmakers consider updated version of online sports gambling bill

NC Senate panel advances sports wagering bill with higher tax rate, other big changes

NC senate committee weighs legalizing mobile sports betting

WRAL Specialists

Here are the things you can wash less often to lighten laundry load

Local bakery celebrates perfect score, Five On Your Side restaurant ratings 

Five On Your Side, tracking recalls and warning products 

5 signs you need a new grill

5 On Your Side

Group claims they ended UNC Medical School's DEI task force, program says task force disbanded over a year ago

17-year-old father accused of murdering baby daughter in Durham

Durham police officer says staffing shortages, longer response times hurt residents as well as department

WRAL Investigates: Why your power bill could double by 2026

Investigations

Gold, recession & you: Be prepared to cash in with the 'great stabilizer'

Pitch perfect: In looking for cash, you can get help from 'navigators'

Your amazing startup idea isn't taking off? Here's why

June happenings: 46 events & deadlines across NC to kick off your summer

WRAL TechWire

NC VinFast owner undeterred by recent recall

State Farm stops home insurance sales in California, citing wildfire risks

Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink says it has US approval to begin trials in people

Final whistle: 115-year-old paper mill in Canton will soon shut down

Business

Powerball

Mega Millions

Cash 5

On the Record: Social media, kids and mental health

Family

Baby hippo born at Greensboro Science Center

9 things to do on a rainy day in Raleigh

Experts, advocates discuss domestic violence warning signs

Amazon: Levi's up to 69% off, Power Strip Surge Protector w/outlets & USB only $10.99, Kids binoculars only $6.99

SmartShopper

Crocs Sale: Up to 50% off select styles plus extra 20% off code through June 2

Free Tropical Smoothie Cafe smoothie on May 31 from 2-7 pm if you wear flip flops

Baskin-Robbins offering 31% off scoops May 31

Where can I find the best prices on grocery staples this week?

Tar Heel Traveler: Pink and Floyd

Tar Heel Traveler