on this saturday night, a triple threat and the unofficial start of summer. tonight, a gathering storm. raging fires and dangerous heat across america. massacre in syria. government forces unleash a vicious attack. tonight, dozens of children are dead. vatican scandal. new fallout from the bombshell book, secret documents and corruption allegations and the pope's butler under arrest. heart risk? millions of americans take them. tonight, the new concern about calcium sup lements. and making a difference this memorial day weekend by promising to never forget. an entire town's stunning

tribute to a fallen field of an entire town's stunning tribute to a fallen field of heroes. captions paid for by nbc-universal television good evening. while often referred to as the unofficial start of summer, this memorial day weekend is feeling a lot like the middle of summer. from temperatures approaching the century mark in the country's midsection, a subtropical storm system taking aim. tonight, tropical storm warnings are up from northern to south carolina for beryl, the second named storm of the season that doesn't officially begin until next week. and then there is the heat with temperatures in the 90s up and down the middle of the country and on top of that, dangerous brush fires in the west. kerry sanders has more on the weather's impact on this busy

holiday weekend. >> reporter: from storms to wild fires to extreme heat, mother nature does not seem willing to let everyone relax this holiday weekend. among the most anxious spots in the nation, central kansas, where as many as five tornados touched down just before down destroyed homes and businesses. even the division of emergency management was hit. luckily, no one was killed. in various states including arizona, new mexico and michigan, strong winds combined with dry conditions are blamed for raging wildfires. campers invaded the u.p. of michigan. so r far, 21,000 acres have burned. in arizona, 25 mile per hour winds are fuelling the so-called gladuater fire. it's burned more than 16,000 acres so far, but here, good news. firefighters have now gained control of 30% of it. in orlando, a wildfire that had sent clouds of smoke near theme

parks today was contained. intersate 4 now reopened. from the indy 500 to chicago to a good portion of the nation, temperatures today were unusually hot. in the 90s. in miami shores. the heat today drove a graduation party into the air-conditioning. >> how was the graduation? >> really nice. it was in doors. it was cool. no one had to stand outside in the heat. >> reporter: from jacksonville to south carolina, beryl has where i happened up the surf. in georgia, life guards have rescued more than 20 people caught in the powerful ocean action. officials in some communities have now closed the beaches to swimming. wading and suntanning is still just fine. while beryl will ruin some barbecues and rooftop parties, it will also bring muff needed rain to one of the most drought stricken areas in our region. >> thanks.

we want to bring in paul good lowe from the weather channel headquarters. a busy weekend out there. >> certainly is. this is now the second named storm and hurricane season starts next friday. let's take a look at beryl. subtropical, have more of a b d banding inside. we're getting that though, so we could see this form more thoughtful characteristics, it continues to head toward northern florida, southern georgia coastline here. potentially around jacksonville late sunday evening and perhaps a slight strengthening of winds. perhaps 3 to 6 inches of much needed rain in florida and georgia. eventually, it will turn more toward south carolina and offshore as we get to the middle of next week. the other story we're dealing with is a dangerous heat here. temperatures some 10, 20 degrees above average in the east. yellow stone dealing with snow.

st. louis, 98. chicago, 97 tomorrow. same time, phoenix, only 89 for sunday. >> thanks. want to turn overseas where we're learning of a horrific massacre in syria. government forces unleashed one of the deadliest attacks yet. many of the dead are children. our chief foreign correspondent richard engel has our report and some of these images are quite disturbing. >> reporter: the scale of a atrocity is only hinted at by this long trench. a mass grave after a massacre that included dozens of children in the syrian town of hula. today, observers went to hula. they were shown a room full of bodies. the u.n. counts 32 dead children and 60 adults, but stopped short of specifically blaming the syrian government.

>> the violence is unacceptable and it's unforgivable. the death of 32 young children, the future of syria. >> reporter: this video appears to show the moments right before the massacre, during a friday afternoon antigovernment protest. then, smoke in the distance as syrian troops allegedly start shelling the town. after that, witnesses say government backed witnesses swept in and started stabbing and shooting and killing children at close range. this woman, her face covered, says 12 members of her family were executed in her home. tonight, this one month old infant clings to life in hula after her mother was killed along with so many others. the syrian government called the massacre is work of armed terrorist gangs. the syrian opposition clearly

doesn't believe it, but wonders if even this will be b enough to move the world to stop the killings. there's growing frustration in syria with a u.n. observers, too. they're accused of being powerless. now to a story that's the stuff of hollywood thrillers. a very real scandal involving secret, stolen documents and corruption rocking the vatican, leading to the arrest of the pope's most trusted aide, his butler. >> reporter: he was always in the pope mobile, but it's what he's charged of doing behind his boss's back that has him locked up. as a personal butler to pope benedict, he was one of the few people with access. in his home, police found hundreds of confidential documents which he's accused of passing to the media, including reports of luzi.

his book details corruption at the vatican. they called the book criminal. >> everyone who has known this young man including me, is stunned by this. this is a pias young man who's worked in the holy city for 15 years. >> reporter: and those, a spokesman said there's surprise and pain and affection for his beloved family. perhaps there's a clue in the documents that have been released because not only have they should be alleged shown alleged financial corruption, but -- secretary of state. card the cardinal is the pope's number two. many believe he's a part of the wider power struggle at the heart of the catholic charge. how wide the leaks go is still

being investigated, but if found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in prison. back in this country, there are in questions tonight about the man accused of murder in one of the most infamous cold cases of our time. if pedro hernandez really did call etan patz, will his reported confession be enough to convict him? also tonight, two of hernandez' sisters are speaking out. we get the story from michelle franzen. >> reporter: the police never considered him a suspect until pedro hernandez confessed this week to killing etan patz in 1979. back then, he was 18 years old working as a stock boy in a neighborhood store. a twist for those who have closely followed the case, includingly sa cohen, who wrote a book about the story. >> this is something nobody saw coming. nobody had a clue. >> reporter: but his family is offering some insikt.

hernandez moved from new jersey shortly after etan disappeared. his sister says he began telling other relatives he killed a little boy and she noticed changes in his behavior, saying he was ablgting very strange, his stomach was always upset. another sister who asked for her identity to be concealed and voice altered, told a station in philadelphia, she can't imagine her brother killing anyone, but offered a message for the family. >> so sorry by brother did that if he did. >> reporter: his lawyer claims his client has a history of mental health issues. experts say investigators will need to build a case. >> we don't seem to have any physical evidence, anything that links him to the crime and crime scene other than his proximity at the time that etan went missing. >> reporter: back then, detectives like william butler worked tirelessly on the case

going door to door. three decades later, investigators are back in the neighborhood searching for evidence again. today, there are flowers in a makeshift memorial in front of the building where the suspect says he killed etan. the memory of a little boy once again capturing the attention and hearts of people here and throughout the country. michelle franzen, nbc news, new york. crew members aboard the international space station opened up their latest care package from earth today, but in this case, the box it came in was almost as exciting as what was in it. yesterday's successful docking to the space station marked the first commercial space delivery and a glimpse into the future. kristen dahlgren reports. >> the expedition 31 crew getting their first look inside the spacecraft. >> reporter: for the world below, it's a first look at what happens when a private commercial spacecraft links up

with the international space station. the crew wore protective masks and goggles. since the final space shuttle flight last summer, nasa has been relying on russian spacecraft to get supplies to the space station until yesterday when the private spacecraft docked. >> i think one of the top ten days days of space exploration. >> reporter: the capsule is ornl about a size of a closet. but while dragon may be small, there are big plans for the capsule to some day carry not just cargo, but humans into orbit. >> there's not enough room to hold a barn dance, but there's plenty of room for the crews. >> reporter: dragon was built by spacex. with a average age of its worker, just 30.

the founder says his goal is to some day send people to mars and spacex has plenty of competition. but for now, it is the only company that can boast this. >> taking a look around inside dragon. the first private company to dock here. a feat only four countries have achieved before. kristen dahlgren, nbc news, los angeles. still ahead as we continue on a saturday night, a new health warning for the millions of americans who take a popular supplement and later, the incredible outpouring from an entire town this memorial day weekend. throughout our entire lives. ♪ one a day women's 50+ is a complete multi-vitamin designed for women's health concerns as we age. ♪ it has more of seven antioxidants to support cell health. that's one a day women's 50+ healthy advantage.

to support cell health. for many, nexium helps relieve heartburn symptoms caused by acid reflux disease. osteoporosis-related bone fractures and low magnesium levels have been seen with nexium. possible side effects include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. other serious stomach conditions may still exist. talk to your doctor about nexium. it's time to get going. those surprising little still make you take notice. there are a million reasons why. but your erectile dysfunction that could be a question of blood flow.

cialis for daily use helps you be ready anytime the moment's right. you can be more confident in your ability to be ready. and the same cialis is the only daily ed tablet approved to treat ed and symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently or urgently. tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity. do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as this may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. do not drink alcohol in excess with cialis. side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. to avoid long-term injury, seek immediate medical help for an erection lasting more than four hours. if you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or if you have any allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking cialis and get medical help right away. ask your doctor about cialis for daily use and a 30-tablet free trial. back now with a new warning for millions of americans who

take calcium supplements about the risk too much calcium can pose. we get our report from robert bazell. >> reporter: 22% of adult americans take a regular calcium accept lment including 57-year-old wendy wright. >> i'm good. don't miss a day. >> reporter: many foods have calcium, a cup of milk, a serving of cheese and a container of yogurt all have more than 300 milligrams. a study from switzerland suggests women who take calcium might have a higher risk of heart attack. scientists have worried about calcium because they can build up deposits in the arteries. >> we're not really sure whether excessive calcium may cause a rise in heart attack risk or not. >> reporter: but it can put women and men at risk for kidney malfunction, stones and stiffening of other blood

vessels and tissues and now, possibly heart attacks. even though there is no question it is critical for bone health. but don't some people get the idea that if something is good for you, you should take more? >> people think more is better. in this case, more is not better. >> reporter: the government recommends adults take 1,000 milligrams a day of calcium and women over 50 take 1,200. what you take about calcium supplements. >> they are to supplement your diet to a total amount of 1,200 a day. >> reporter: says the swiss study is not enough to discount the importance benefits of kalas up. experts say people who eat a diet low in dairy often do need a supplement. they just have to take care like mindy, not to overdo it. robert bazell, nbc news, new york. up next, family vacations

where every view is a postcard. the push to attract a whole new crowd to some wide open spaces this summer. never missed openin. but with copd making it hard to breathe, i thought those days might be over. so my doctor prescribed symbicort. it helps significantly improve my lung function, starting within 5 minutes. symbicort doesn't replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. with symbicort, today i'm breathing better, and that means... game on! symbicort is for copd, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. it should not be taken more than twice a day. symbicort may increase your risk of lung infections, osteoporosis, and some eye problems. tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure before taking it. [ whistle ] with copd, i thought i might miss out on my favorite tradition. now symbicort significantly improves my lung function, starting within 5 minutes. and that makes a difference in my breathing. today i'm back with my favorite team. ask your doctor about symbicort. i got my first prescription free.

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thousands of people will spend this holiday weekend taking in the history and beauty of america's national parks, but now, the parks find themselves competing for the business of younger americans. the average age of visitors is climbing along with the future

of these national treasures. >> hi there, welcome to rocky mountain national park. >> reporter: in the mountains of colorado, park rangers are seeing more than green this spring. they're also noticing a little more gray. the average visit or is getting older. cyclist john o'malley has enjoyed the trails for almost half a century. >> you do get close to nature. >> reporter: apparently, that love of nature isn't what it used to be. in 1996, almost a third of vis tors were in their 20s and that number has dropped. rocky mountain national park, the average age of visitors has risen. >> i think that a lot of distractions right now for young people. >> reporter: overall attendance at national parks has dropped

only slightly, but fewer young visitors. >> if we do not do a better job of inviting young people and the funding to do that, the parks will become less relevant. >> reporter: so, the park service is mounting a campaign to attract children. >> it's really cool. >> reporter: like this school group just outside of washington, d.c. >> they get excited. they discover things. for them to know that not only they can come back, but they own this place. this is their park. >> reporter: back in colorado, also fighting the trend. driving their kids and grand kids all the way from ohio. >> it rejuvenates you. >> reporter: the goal, to leave their computers behind. >> can't capture it on a picture. you have to be there to see it. >> reporter: and nurture their love of nature for a lifetime.

>> we wanted to show you the viral video that's got a lot of folks talking once they pick their jaws up from the floor. that's 81-year-old laverne everett wanted to go skydiving to celebrate her birthday. she fell out of her harness hanging on for dear life on the way down. we want you to know she's okay and you're going to hear about it tomorrow morning on "today." when we come back, a small town's soccer field transformed by keeping memories alive.

for many, nexium helps relieve heartburn symptoms caused by acid reflux disease. osteoporosis-related bone fractures and low magnesium levels have been seen with nexium. possible side effects include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. other serious stomach conditions may still exist. talk to your doctor about nexium. hey joe, can you talk? sure. your hair -- amazing. thanks to head & shoulders for men. four shampoos that give men game-winning scalp protection, great looking hair... and confidence [ crowd cheering ] [ male announcer ] head & shoulders for men. that's how it is with alzheimer's disease. she needs help from me. and her medication.

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as we honor america's war dead this weekend, another grim milestone was reached in afghanistan. a 26-year-old sailor became the 3,000th to die there. but thanks to the folks of a town in idaho, neither he nor his fallen comrades will be forgotten. mike taibbi now with a truly unique memorial day tribute. >> reporter: such a simple idea. what was your motivation in '03? a war vet remembers how someone greeted him when he came home. >> stopped and holds up arms like this and says, hey, you bibby burr. >> reporter: so, he vowed that

nose fighting in iraq and afghanistan would be seen and remembered differently. this is the field of heroes. a high school soccer field that once a year, puts the whole town pitching in, becomes a patch of hallowed ground in the rock can . the crosses made by korean war vet and the name, rank, unit and casualty date of each service member on labels donated by local sign maker, dennis. >> it's not just a name on a cross. it's a, it's a soldier. it's a family member. >> reporter: and it's who those soldiers are, not just that a soldier has died. like sergeant blake stevens, killed in iraq and buried in his hometown. >> this is blake country. >> reporter: his mother, kathleen, thankful that anyone who wants to learn the story behind his cross can know what she knows about his passion to

serve. >> he was just born with that sense of one of well being. he really know who he was, but he loved protecting. he loved protecting people. >> reporter: so did tiffany petty's husband, jarrett. tiffany labeling the crosses of others who services have been overlooked by many. >> it hurts your heart, your soul. we need to remember them not as a group of people, but as specific people. >> reporter: so here, throughout the weekend, they're remembered by visitors from all over the west. those who have lost a loved one to war and those who haven't. even dennis, the sign maker, pausing to learn the stories. >> 21-year-old single mother from illinois that had one small child. >> reporter: 6,378 heroic stories. each remembered here. mike taibbi, nbc news, idaho. >> and that's "nbc nightly news" for this saturday.

i'm lester holt reporting from new york. i'll see you tomorrow morning on "today" and right back here tomorrow evening. good night. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com