Here in the U.S., Memorial Day is typically viewed as the beginning of summer. The grills are fired up, kids are clustered around the pool, and families around the country are one Roman candle away from launching their 4th of July celebrations early.
However, amidst the balmy weather and backyard BBQs, it’s easy to forget the real message of Memorial Day. Since 1865 – the end of the American Civil War, when flowers were placed on the graves of deceased soldiers – and, in particular, since 1971, when Memorial Day was declared a national holiday, the last Monday in May has been a day to remember the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. In our view, then, it’s possible, and preferable, to have a Memorial Day weekend that honors the past and embraces the present.
In a proud, three-volley salute to those we’ve lost on the battlefield, then, we bestow upon you this list of Memorial Day ideas and activities.
Showing Respect…
Remembering our nation’s heroes can take many forms, and each family has traditions close to their hearts. Here’s how to pay your respects this weekend.
Take a Moment of Silence
The National Moment of Remembrance – which takes place annually on Memorial Day at 3.00 PM – is an nationwide opportunity for Americans to pause and remember those who have died in military service to the United States. However, you needn’t set aside this exact moment, or even only one moment, to remember our service members – you could so before a meal, or in your school, neighborhood or workplace.
Visit a Memorial
If you haven’t already booked a Memorial Day sojourn to Cape Cod or The Hamptons, then perhaps a wiser, less expensive use of your time would be to visit a memorial. The most well-known memorial site is, obviously, that of Arlington National Cemetery, where more than 300,000 veterans are buried. However, you can still spend some time at a local memorial, giving you an opportunity to pay your respects and learn more about the history of those who gave everything for their country.
Go to a Museum
Even if you can’t make it to the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. this year, going to a local museum will also allow you to engage with our nation’s history (and to help educate younger generations about the sacrifices made). There are hundreds of military museums in the U.S, and each is dedicated to celebrating the brave men and women who have fought at home or overseas for this country, making it an apt way to pass Memorial Day.
Find a National Park
Due to the glorious end-of-May weather and the urge to celebrate all things American, it’s not surprising that U.S. national parks are one of the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekenders, and you can join them. Park rangers might not exactly be the kind of serviceperson we honor with Memorial Day, but they’re still worth celebrating!
Fly the Flag
Later in this article, we’re going to explain how you can thank and support those who are actively involved in U.S. military campaigns right now. To start with, however, we’d recommend hoisting the flag outside your house – in tribute to both those who have fought for it in the past, and those who continue to fight for it now.
Giving Back…
Because of the selflessness and dedication so many of our military heroes have displayed, it seems appropriate that, on Memorial Day, we should do our part for veterans and the wider community. Here’s how you can get involved:
Volunteer Your Time
You don’t have to devote your entire weekend to this, if you have other plans, but even a few hours spent volunteering in your community or at a veterans’ home would make a substantial difference. Many charitable organizations, including The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), also encourage and enlist people to volunteer each Memorial Day.
Donate Your Money
Time is money, so if you’re unable to part with one, you can always offer the other. There are numerous philanthropic organizations that work with veterans and their families in the U.S., including Hope for the Warriors, Disabled American Veterans, and the United Service Organizations (USO). Fundraising helps these charities to enhance the quality of life for present- and ex-military personnel, and allows us to show our appreciation for their bravery.
Write a Letter
Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has been delivering care packages and handwritten letters to deployed troops, wounded veterans, and retired service members. Offer your support and encouragement to a member of the U.S. military, then, by composing one of those very letters through their website. You won’t be able to address a particular individual – these letters could be sent to anyone, so it’s best to keep the message generic – but that’s part of the charm: regardless of who the letter is from and who receives it, it will still have an impact.
Share Some Stories
Sometimes, all veterans want is to be heard. If a friend, family member, or neighbor of yours has served, then you could share their stories with others in your school or community, explaining their importance to the fabric of our nation. Even calling to an elderly or not-so-elderly veteran and keeping them company – on a day which might bring up some painful memories, too – could be a chance to show them your gratitude. And, in the unlikely event that you don’t know any veterans or members of the U.S. military, you can still access some fascinating first-hand accounts via the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project Collection.
Post on Social Media
If you want your Memorial Day message to spread even further this year, then why not post a commemorative video or caption? There is a #MemorialDay hashtag, after all, and you can use Facebook, Instagram, or X to shine a spotlight on a local event, share a memorable quote about our American heroes, or encourage people to shop and dine at businesses owned by veterans. Effectively, you’re giving our courageous servicemen and women the biggest platform possible this Memorial Day, and they deserve it.
… and Having Fun!
Finally, we have the activities that make the most of your three-day weekend. For many, Memorial Day is a time to gather with family and friends, and here are some of the best ways to do just that:
Join a Parade
Whether you’re a spectator in the crowd or a trumpet player in the marching band, Memorial Day parades are a time-honored tradition that brings communities (and the country) together in respectful celebration. The largest procession is, of course, the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C., but thousands of smaller parades will be snaking their way through towns and cities across the U.S on May 27th.
Host a BBQ
Don’t worry – we know you’ve been salivating since the start of this article, waiting for us to talk about having that backyard BBQ again. Well, get ready to sizzle up a storm with that quintessential Memorial Day cookout, and to dig into those mouthwatering burgers and steaks. It’s not just about the food, either, though – it’s a communal experience that brings loved ones together, allowing them to have fun in the good weather and holiday atmosphere. You could even set up some lawn games to play later in the evening!
Put Up Decorations
Consider Memorial Day to be your trial run for that 4th of July extravaganza, and cover your house, classroom, or workplace with patriotic colors. When it comes to party supplies on Zazzle, some of our customers’ Memorial Day favorites include balloons, bunting flags, banners, and yard signs, which bear quotes like “Remember and Honor,” “Lest We Forget,” and “Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” You could even personalize this red, white, and blue party décor with the names of family members or friends that have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Plan a Military Movie Marathon
Obviously, no movie or TV show can truly encapsulate the feeling of being at war. However, if something like Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Hurt Locker (2008), Fury (2014), or Brothers (2009) can even approximate the experience, and educate us on the issues that were at stake in those conflicts, then we’ll have learned a valuable lesson this Memorial Day.
Watch the Memorial Day Concert
Each year, PBS hosts a National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Broadcast to American troops around the world and featuring performances and tributes from award-winning actors and musicians – you can check out the line-up on PBS.org and livestream the event there too – this promises to be a fun, meaningful end to your Memorial Day experience.
We hope this guide has sparked your creativity and enthusiasm for a Memorial Day celebration that’s both festive and respectful. Whether you’re at home watching TV, volunteering in your locality, or learning more about our nation’s history, we hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for your service!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
