While Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, the holiday is a time to honor those who lost their lives defending our freedom.

Here is a guide of what is open and what is closed on Memorial Day in Rhode Island. All state, local and federal offices will close to observe Memorial Day, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Schools are closed on Memorial Day, but with some exceptions. It is best to check with your school district.

The Rhode Island Football Club kicked off their veterans initiative on Tuesday with a visit with local veterans.

About 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day weekend, according to this year’s travel forecast from AAA. That’s an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record.

Happy planning for Memorial Day weekend and a perfect Rhode Island summer. Sweet Berry Farm reopens for the season at 915 Mitchell’s Lane Middletown, on May 23 at 8 a.m. with new owners. "We look forward to introducing some new members of the team after we reopen in May," they wrote on Facebook.

Volunteers will be geing to set up boots on Tuesday for Opearation Stand Down Rhode Island’s yearly Memorial Day display.

Operation Stand Down RI is bringing back its Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial to Fort Adams State Park this Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26. The powerful display features over 7,000 combat boots,