10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
Today, we’re excited to share 10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day!
Memorial Day in the US is always celebrated on the last Monday in May. It’s officially a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country.
For most of us living in the US, it’s also a long holiday weekend that marks the unofficial kickoff to summer.
Whether you’re part of a volunteer team laying flags at the National Cemetery, participating in a hometown parade, or hosting a family barbeque there are simple ways you can honor the lives of loved ones and those in your community who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
Here’s a list of 10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day…
Fly the Flag…
Memorial Day is a National Day of Mourning so remember to fly to flag at half-staff until noon.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance…
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
Visit Arlington or a National Cemetery in Your Area…
Take a trip with your family to the National Cemetery in your area and place flags, flowers, or wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers.
You can find a list of National Cemeteries and State Veterans Cemeteries by state here.
Support Gold Star Families…
Memorial Day is a great time to shower the Gold Star Families in your area with extra love. You can learn how to best support Gold Star Families in their grief here.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade or a Memorial Day Community Event…
If you’re going to Washington DC be sure to check out the National Memorial Day Concert or watch it on PBS, Sunday, May 28 at 8 pm.
Plan a Visit to the National War Memorials…
Get educated about the cost of freedom by planning a visit to National War Memorials, Remembrance Monuments in your hometown, or by visiting your local Museum of Military History.
Bring Flowers to the Veteran’s Hospital…
If you’ve ever had a loved one in the hospital you know how sterile the environment can be. Especially, if you’re visiting every day.
Cheer up the patients, staff, and guests by calling ahead to see if you can place flowers or a wreath in the lobby of your local veteran’s hospital.
You can search for the location nearest you here.
Send a Care Package to Soldiers on Deployment…
Soldiers on deployment really appreciate care packages and notes from home. So, lift their spirits by sending them a box of goodies.
You can find specific information for creating care packages here.
Plan a Barbeque and Invite a Military Family Over for a Meal…
As a military family, we’ve moved around quite a bit and know first-hand how overwhelming it can be to settle into a new town.
Memorial Day is a great time to include a military family in your festivities.
If you don’t personally know any military families but you see one out at dinner, at an ice cream stand, or at Starbucks, offer to pay for their treat or meal.
Wear Red, White, and Blue…
If your family is anything like ours, you’ll be attending multiple events throughout the weekend.
Wearing red, white, and blue is a simple and inexpensive way to remember the sacrifice of your fellow countrymen by wearing our nation’s colors with pride.
I know this is a busy time of year for so many of us. But there is no better way to honor the legacy and sacrifices of American veterans than to slow down and remember them on Memorial Day.
Let us know if you have any easy ways to celebrate Memorial Day so we can add them to the list! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Other Patriotic Ideas to Enjoy:
- Quick and Easy Patriotic Party Cones
- How to Make a Simple USA Cake
- Tips and Tricks for Patriotic Tablescapes
- How to Make a First Aid Cabin Sign
Many blessings,
CoCo
Hey CoCo,
Such neat ideas. I’m going to try sending a message for the fourth time – they won’t go through. If this one succeeds I’ll send one with more info. Thanks for such neat Memorial Day ideas. My husband was in the army for 3 years and a good friend from that time was killed in Viet Nam. I think of him so often. Thinking of you, too!
Thanks so much Patty! After being a military family for 45 years we always make sure to honor all the sacrifices of people just like your friend from Vietnam with our activities on Memorial Day. As you and I both know there is no time limit on grief or love. Sending you and your family big hugs. We’ll be thinking of you this weekend, CoCo PS: I will ask S to look at how the comments are processed to make sure they’re going through without a hitch. Thanks for the heads up
Thank you for a wonderful post full of pride, insightfulness, patriotism, and super ideas for celebrating!!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend, CoCo!
You are so welcome Jane! Sending you lots of hugs for a peace filled and relaxing Memorial Day weekend, CoCo
Excited about trying some of these ideas Coco, thanks for the list.
CoCo – you always have the very best ideas and advice relating to military needs. Your support and knowledge are showcased for this holiday. Thank you so very much!
Thank you bunches ladies! We do our very best to make sure the men and women like your Dad are honored and remembered for their devotion and sacrifice. We know it’s not an easy life at all. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo,
I loved every single idea you shared. I can’t wait to share this in the round up.
I really appreciate it, Rachel, thank you! We were in a military family for a long time so we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating patriotic holidays in a lot of fun places. Can’t wait to be a part of this hop. Thanks so much for thinking of and for asking me to be a part of it all, CoCo
I appreciate all your thoughtful ideas CoCo, for remembering and honoring those who gave their lives for our freedom! And your porch is beautiful!
So many wonderful ideas! I love the way you decorated and love the ideas of how to support families! Pinned!
xoxo
Coco, I loved all the ideas you had…and it reminded me that I have to get a new bracket to hang out my flag…I think it’s finally warm enough up here that I don’t have to worry about snow anymore!!
Love your ideas for Memorial Day CoCo, thanks for sharing. We visited my grandfather’s grave for the holiday and put flowers down. He was a WWII veteran who I admired and loved to pieces.