May 28 in the US: Memorial Day (part 1)

First, let´s talk about the ``official´´ definition of Memorial Day:
Memorial Day is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May honoring the men and women who have died while serving the U.S. military.  It is considered by many to be the U.S.`s most solemn holiday.  It originated in the years following the Civil War (1861-1865) with the tradition of grave decorating.  To honor the soldiers who had died during the Civil War, people placed flowers, flags, and other tokens on their graves. 

Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and, because it is always celebrated on the last Monday of every May rather than a fixed date, always results in a three-day weekend.  Many people celebrate this holiday by decorating graves, visiting cemeteries and/or war memorials, holding family gatherings, attending parades, etc.  Memorial Day then, for many, is a day to remember, honor, and respect those who have died while serving our country. 
For a brief history of Memorial Day, watch the following video:

History Channel´s History of Memorial Day

Now, what is Memorial Day ``unofficially´´?
Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the kick-off to summer.  On this holiday, adults are off work, kids are off school, and the weather is getting warmer, so some people celebrate by taking vacations, having cookouts or barbecues, and relaxing. 

As with many other holidays, there´s the idea that some people don´t celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day and simply enjoy the three-day weekend as time off from work or school. 
Can you think of any other holidays that have ``lost their meaning´´ to some people?
Is there any holiday in Brazil that is similar to Memorial Day?

A little more about ``cookouts´´:
A cookout or barbecue to Americans is what I would compare to a Brazilian churrasco.  Though, I must admit, nothing compares to a Brazilian churrasco...
Anyway, cookouts are typical during the summer months in the US (Mayish-Septemberish).  They usually include friends, a grill, food, and beer.  As much as the stereotype of Americans eating hamburgers every day isn´t true, I must admit that the main attraction of most cookouts I´ve ever been to are hamburgers and hotdogs.  Other foods typically served are corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, watermelon...etc.  Am I forgetting anything?

What is served in a typical Brazilian churasco?