This Memorial Day weekend — a time to honor the brave service members who have sacrificed their lives for our nation’s freedom — North Carolinians planning to travel or host gatherings can expect some financial relief at the gas pump, though grocery bills may see modest increases.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average gas price in North Carolina stands at $2.85 per gallon as of May 18, 2025, down from $3.36 on average one year ago. The highest recorded average gas in the state was from 2022, at $4.67 in June of 2022. The drop in fuel prices offers a welcome respite for the estimated 39.4 million Americans projected to travel by car during the holiday weekend.
On the food front, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts a 2.1% increase in food-at-home prices for 2025, slightly below the 20-year historical average of 2.6%. Some cookout staples like hamburger patties, are on the rise with beef prices up 6.4% due to record low cattle herds. That tomato on top will also cost you more as the US withdrew from a tomato trade agreement with Mexico. Pork prices are up 2.9% over 2024, and sugar is up 3.6% over last year. Sugar prices are expected to continue climbing over the summer due to global trade tariffs.
If egg salad and deviled eggs are always on the menu, there is good news. Egg prices fell by 27.6% in March after four straight months of increases. Still, the overall cost of a typical Memorial Day cookout has risen by 3.41% compared to last year.
honoring the heroes
While Memorial Day has come to mark the beginning of the summer season, it is actually to honor the brave servicemembers who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom. North Carolina communities will honor the fallen across the state through various ceremonies and events:
Starting with the Fort Bragg area, the largest US Army base in the world, the Fayetteville National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will feature a wreath-laying ceremony, music and guest speakers.
Western North Carolina: In Asheville, a solemn ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. The event will feature a keynote address by Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs .
Piedmont Triad: The Carolina Field of Honor at Triad Park in Kernersville will host a Memorial Day event at 11 a.m. on May 26, including a presentation of colors, wreath-laying, and a special speaker. More info at carolinafieldofhonor.org
Triangle Region: Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh will hold a Field of Honor for a Memorial Day commemoration ceremony on Monday May 26 from 4-5pm.
Knightdale will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Knightdale Veterans Memorial at Knightdale Station Park.
Charlotte Area: The US National Whitewater Center will offer special Memorial Day activities on Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including displays from several wars and crafts for kids.
Coastal North Carolina: In Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina will hold its annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26, honoring those who served and sacrificed.
As communities gather for Memorial Day commemorations, it is a time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and to honor the fallen heroes and the families they left behind.