North Carolina ranks fifth among U.S. states for largest military presence, with nearly 1,000 active-duty personnel for every 100,000 citizens, according to 24/7 Wall St.

Why it matters: That's a source of pride, but it also carries the gravity of loss: Many of us know people who've died in service.

• So for all the good things going on this weekend, we shouldn't lose sight of what the holiday really means. Here's to all who've served and sacrificed most, and big love to the families who carry on.

Looking for something to do? Check out the Flags for Heroes display in Waxhaw, put on each year by the Waxhaw-Weddington Rotary Club.

The Around the Crown 10K will take place in person and at full capacity on Sunday, Sept. 5, race organizers announced Friday.

Why it matters: Almost 5,000 runners participated in the inaugural event in 2019, but the 2020 race had to pivot to time trials instead due to the pandemic, Axios' Katie Peralta Soloff reports.

• Many runners are looking forward to a return to the 6.2-mile course through the streets of Uptown and on the inner beltway of 277.

Details: You can sign up for $45 via aroundthecrown10k.com. The price increases to $50 on July 31.

Our staff eats stuff. We have a range of food expertise, with some who can take a single bite and identify most of the ingredients, and others who just know what they like when they taste it (me).

• Maybe you'll find an idea for yourself among our list of favorites from May.

Pan-style pizzas from Eight + Sand

• The good word: "So far we've done three pan-style (crisp edge red, crisp edge white garlic, and loaded potato) and the crispy hot chicken stone-baked pizza. All were delicious." — Bri Crane

Birria Ramen from Maria's Mexican Restaurant

• A good word: "Maria's is known for their popular birria tacos. Now they've added noodles to the birria broth and made the perfect Mexican-inspired ramen (careful, it comes piping hot). Pro tip: Order a birria taco to dip in the ramen." — Paige Hopkins

Grilled pineapple on a stick from Full Circle food cart

• A good word: "The cart's menu is inspired by owner Caleb Dickerson's time in Southeast Asia with tropical scratch-made popsicles, grilled pineapple and more. I ordered the grilled pineapple on a stick, sprinkled seasoning inside its plastic bag and devoured it." — Emma Way

Full story: Our 6 favorite things we ate this month

2021 Home of the Year [108K+ views]

• "Omg omg I've dropped cookies on that doorstep 😍👏😍." — @alicecpn via Instagram

Ohio's Saucy Brew Works to expand in Charlotte with a huge brewpub and Airbnb [5,500+ views]

• "Ohio taking over CLT!!!!" — @jenlicis via Instagram

30 coolest things to do in Charlotte this summer [8K+ new views]

• "Looks so good for this heat 🔥." — @mana4u_ via Instagram

CMS is having in-person graduations this year, and I've been loving the first rounds of pictures coming out of them. All smiles and hugs and eyes toward the future.

• Lots more to come this week around the Bojangles Coliseum, Ovens Auditorium and Charlotte Convention Center.

Of note: CMS is also posting a series of "senior stories" from graduates who are telling what it was like to spend their last year of high school navigating the roller coaster of pandemic learning.

• They'll make you proud.