Memorial Day by the numbers

1.2 million

Approximate number of United States military deaths in our nation’s history. The deadliest war was the Civil War, during which almost 500,000 people died.

400,000

More than 400,000 people, mainly veterans, are buried in Arlington National Cemetary in Virginia. Burials began in the 1860s, and the dead include Presidents William Howard Taft and John F. Kennedy, John Glenn and other astronauts, and many other prominent figures.

149

In 1868, 149 years ago, the first Decoration Day was held, which was the origin of Memorial Day. The term Memorial Day didn’t come up until 1882, and it wasn’t until after World War II that Memorial Day became a more common term than Decoration Day.

49

Traditionally, Memorial Day was recognized on May 30, regardless of what day of the week it fell on. But in 1968, 49 years ago, Congress passed a law setting the final Monday in May as Memorial Day. Some veterans groups still advocate for a return to May 30, because the long weekend contributes to “the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day,” as the VFW said in 2002.

39.3 million

According to the AA, about 39.3 million people will travel this weekend (at least 50 miles away from home). That’s an increase of 1 million people from last year. The vast majority of travelers, 88 percent, are driving to their destinations.

$2.37

As of Friday morning, the average price for a gallon of gas nationwide was $2.37. That’s up from $2.23 a gallon last year.

97 percent

About 97 percent of employers designate Memorial Day as a paid day off. But that doesn’t mean everyone gets the day off — about 40 percent of companies require some of their employees to work. Still, of the companies where some people have to work, 85 percent give the employees an extra benefit for doing so —15 percent even pay double-time, or more.

Jason Russell is the contributors editor for the Washington Examiner.