General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed May 30, 1868, Decoration Day, a time to recognize the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. The day was later renamed Memorial Day, and in 1971 the federal holiday was moved to the last Monday in May.

We hope that you'll remember the origins of the holiday and take a break from what you're doing at 3 p.m. next Monday (May 25) to acknowledge the National Moment of Remembrance and commemorate the countless men and women who have given their lives for this country.

General Logan couldn't have foreseen that Memorial Day would morph into the unofficial kickoff of both summer and the outdoor-cooking season. If you haven't tuned up your grill for summer, follow these safety tips from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association and the Consumer Reports Safety blog. And remember, taking care of your grill will help it cook better, longer.

And if you're in the market for a new grill, check out our free buyer's guide and read our June 2009 report on gas grills (report and ratings of more than three dozen models available to subscribers), which includes a review of the Traeger Lil' Tex smoker.

When you're ready to cook, try these easy, delicious recipes—including Bobby Flay's advice for the best burgers—and avoid common grilling mistakes. e-mail | Twitter

Essential information: Home centers nationwide are offering deals on grills and other outdoor-living essentials, including outdoor furniture. Below you'll find links to retailers and their grills and outdoor-products pages.

Ace Hardware: Grills, Outdoors
Home Depot: Grills, Outdoors
Kmart: Grills, Outdoors
Lowe's: Grills, Outdoors
Sears: Grills, Outdoors
Target: Grills, Outdoors
Walmart: Grills, Outdoors