Memorial Day Activities to Honor Veterans and Welcome Summer
Each year, the last Monday of May is reserved to honor the men and women who died while serving our country in the U.S. Military. Here are great ideas for ways your family can acknowledge Memorial Day.
Attend a Tribute to Veterans
On Memorial Day or during the weekend, many communities host tributes to veterans as a way to recognize and thank them for their service and remember those who sacrificed their lives while serving our country. In our area, several branches of American Legion Posts have historically hosted events such as holding ceremonies to honor veterans and planting flags on the graves of veterans in the veterans section of Forest Lawn Cemetery. A quick internet search will provide 2022 Memorial Day events that honor veterans.
Visit Memorials
Taking some time to visit memorials created to honor veterans, past and present, is a meaningful way to pay respects on Memorial Day. It is also provides an opportunity to share lessons with children about the important times in history when our military made our freedom possible. Locally, the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Country Park at 3905 Nathaneal Greene Drive and Greensboro Veterans Memorial at 301 N. Church Street in Greensboro, and Triad Park and Veterans Memorial at 9652 W. Market Street in Kernersville are notable memorials to visit.
Send a Care Package
A wonderful family activity and special way to honor those who serve our country is to create and send a care package to someone who is currently serving in our military. Support Our Troops, is an organization that ships care packages to our deployed troops. This gesture is a meaningful way to lift morale and the well-being of those stationed all over the world.
Watch The National Memorial Day Concert
Close out this special weekend by gathering your family and turning on your television to watch the National Memorial Day Concert. Enjoy this moving tribute to servicemen and women while relaxing in the comfort of your home. Check local listings for time and channel.
Beach or Lake Trip
Schedule a weekend getaway to a nearby lake or one of our great coastal communities as a nice way to relax and reconnect with family and friends. Recognize the special day by planting flags in the sand, playing patriotic music and enjoying traditional American fare.
Backyard Barbecue
Fire up the grill, set up lawn games and invite family and friends over to enjoy a good, old-fashioned barbecue. Decorate your yard and deck/patio areas with small American flags and streamers in colors of red, white and blue. Use tablecloths, plates, cups and utensils in patriotic colors to add a special touch. Top the meal off with sweet treats decorated with red, white and blue icing and sprinkles.
There are many meaningful and fun ways to spend Memorial Day weekend. No matter what you decide to do this weekend, may it be enjoyable and marked with things that celebrate the true meaning of the day.