Although many think of it as the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day, at its heart, is a time when Americans can reflect on the sacrifice that people in the armed forces have made for our country. First observed all the way back in 1868 to commemorate Civil War soldiers, today, there are tons of things to do on Memorial Day. First off, one must-do activity on Memorial Day is attending a local parade, where you can join up with fellow Americans to show your appreciation for the land of the free. Go all out by wearing top-to-bottom red, white, and blue outfits or sport a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
And, most importantly, treat the day as an opportunity to show heartfelt respect and gratitude to those who’ve served. Whether they gave their lives for their country or live in your community, all veterans deserve to be revered on this hallowed day. You can give a donation to a veterans’ organization, patronize a local veteran-owned business, or place American flags all around your community as a sign of appreciation. Of course, the three-day weekend is also a great time to host that Memorial Day cookout! No matter how you choose to spend the federal holiday, these are the top 25 ways to make the most out of Memorial Day.
1. Write Letters to Those Serving in the Military
There are many national organizations that facilitate letters being sent from civilians to individuals serving in the military, such as A Million Thanks, Operation Gratitude, and Soldiers’ Angels. With your kids, spend Memorial Day writing letters and drawing pictures to lift a soldier’s spirits.
2. Display Flags in Your Community
Many communities throughout the United States have volunteers place mini flags in green spaces to honor veterans and to mark Memorial Day. You and your family can do just that—it’s sure to add patriotic flair to your hometown.
3. Showcase Patriotic Decorations
This is the day to spotlight all of your red, white, and blue decorations, whether it’s your front porch or indoors. Display that American pride through wreaths, flags, and bunting.
4. Learn How to Care for an American Flag
Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to learn all about how to properly care for an American flag and treat it with dignity. Did you know that the flag should always be dry and should never show wear?
5. Whip Up Red, White, and Blue Treats
Whether it’s a red, white, and blue trifle or something as American as apple pie, you can bake up a storm with festive Memorial Day desserts. You can also drop off some sweets to local veterans, too!
6. Attend a Memorial Day Parade
Is there any Memorial Day activity as classic as attending a parade? See patriotic colors flying and veterans waving to the crowds in this truly spirited and reverent display.
7. Give a Donation
To go to the source, plan to give a donation to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Memorial Day. The website makes it easy to donate online, which is especially handy since there isn’t mail service on Memorial Day.
8. Visit Veteran-Owned Businesses
A veteran always appreciates it from the bottom of their heart when someone in the community supports them after they’ve returned home. One way to do just that is by patronizing veteran-owned businesses, either on Memorial Day if they’re open or on any other day of the year. You can go to the Veteran Owned Business Directory to find businesses in your state.
9. Watch Vintage USO Shows
Short for “United Service Organizations,” the USO first became popular during World War II as entertainers visited the troops overseas, and it’s still something that’s continued to this day. Observe the day by watching greats like Bob Hopeand Jayne Mansfield provide some much-needed entertainment for audiences of soldiers.
10. Host a Cookout
Plan a Memorial Day feast with all-American favorites, like burgers, hot dogs, and more. It’s also a great way to kick off grilling season!
11. Wear a Poppy
Symbolizing bloodshed during battle, poppies take a spirit-lifting turn as a way to honor fallen soldiers. Grab a poppy from The American Legion(they often hand them out at grocery stores and local businesses) and don it on your shirt for Memorial Day.
12. Visit a National Park
There’s nothing quite as uniquely American as the National Park System, and you can show some patriotism by visiting one of the 424 national park sites found throughout the country.
13. Learn About the History of Memorial Day
First starting in New York as a response to those who died during the Civil War, you can learn even more about the history of Memorial Day by visiting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, and clue in your kids in, too.
14. Have a Moment of Silence
Called the “National Moment of Remembrance,” at 3:00 p.m. (no matter what your time zone is), all Americans can stop and have a moment of silence for fallen soldiers.
15. Listen to Patriotic Music
From “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles to “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen to “Only in America” by Brooks & Dunn, put together a patriotic playlist that’s worthy of Memorial Day and listen to it with your family.
16. Watch the Memorial Day Concert
Every year, PBS broadcasts a star-studded National Memorial Day Concert that you and your family are sure to enjoy. This year, the show will welcome actor Gary Sinise along with The U.S. Army Chorus, The National Symphony Orchestra, and more.
17. Volunteer with a Veteran-Focused Organization
From helping to build homes to putting together care packages (which can be done in-person or virtually with Soldiers’ Angels), there are so many organizations you can volunteer with to observe Memorial Day.
18. Go to a Military Cemetery
Although it might feel difficult, one of the truest ways you can honor fallen soldiers is by visiting a military cemetery. See if a veteran family member is buried in one of these cemeteries and look at a directory of several throughout the U.S. that you can visit.
19. Make an Instagram Post that Honors the Day
Whether it’s a Memorial Day caption or a heartfelt quote, something as simple as an Instagram post is just one small way to show a great deal of respect for Memorial Day.
20. Participate in a Walk or Race
Find out if there’s a walk or race held in your community in honor of Memorial Day. Run or amble your heart out as you raise money for veterans and other worthy causes.
21. Virtually Visit a War Memorial
Can’t make it to Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day? Instead, you and your family can take a virtual tour of the United States Veterans and War Memorials through Google.
22. Take a Veteran Out to Dinner
Sometimes, the greatest way to observe Memorial Day is by keeping it down-to-earth and simple. It can be as straightforward as inviting a veteran friend or family member out for dinner and treating them as a thank-you for their service.
23. Watch a Movie or Documentary
There are several movies and documentaries that showcase military valor and pride, such as Flags of Our Fathers, Saving Private Ryan, and They Shall Not Grow Old. Be sure to watch a couple on Memorial Day.
24. Donate Flowers for Military Graves
Through a national organization like The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation or Wreaths Across America, or through a local group, donate red, white, and blue flowers for military graves.
25. Wear Red, White, and Blue
A pair of blue jeans, a red shirt, and white shoes, and you’ll be showing some definite patriotic pride on Memorial Day.