This weekend many families will be celebrating what has become known as the first weekend of summer. Memorial Day weekend is a time for many to relax and enjoy an extra day off work. Traditionally the holiday was celebrated on May 30th, but it was moved to the last Monday of May in 1971. Memorial Day is a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered. This weekend while you are having fun and relaxing with family and friends, take time to honor those who died for our country. Here are 5 great ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend.
Holiday Celebration Activities
1. Red, white and blue – Show your American spirit by wearing badges, pins, or a t-shirt, anything that shows your patriotism. For added family fun make one or more of these items with your children to wear to a family picnic this weekend.
2. Visit a Veteran’s hospital. Taking time to talk with elderly or injured veterans is a great way to bring cheer to their day, also you may very likely hear some incredibly captivating stories about their time in the service. To involve your children, another idea could be to create small potted plants/flowers to hand out at the hospital.
3. With children in mind, educate them about the history of Memorial Day and use the teaching time to make fun patriotic crafts with them. Check out these kid friendly patriotic projects .
4. Visit a national cemetery or local memorial and pay tribute to the fallen heroes by bringing flowers to lay or small flags to put in the ground. This too could be a family activity. It may seem a bit disturbing at first, but it will help children to begin to understand that those who serve in our military sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice and die to protect our country. It helps to give meaning to the reason we honor their bravery.
5. Make a donation. Gather up good conditioned used items around your house and take them to a veterans donation facility, check this site to find one near you. If you are so inclined, have a garage sale this weekend and donate your proceeds to a service family who lost a loved one or a veterans organization. Get your family and neighbors involved too.