Do you have a favorite family tradition for Memorial Day? For me I was not even cognizant that there was a Memorial Day until I married my husband. When I was younger, we never got together as a family that I remembered. We never went to the cemetery to decorate graves or any of the other things that you associate with Memorial Day.
My husband’s family on the other hand has had a long tradition of getting together and having dinner and then going to the cemetery. Most of their relatives are buried in a city that was a distance from where his mom and dad lived so that always meant a road trip and an overnight stay. When we got married, we did not travel with them until a few years later.
Some folks equate Memorial Day with a day off work and backyard BBQs. The year after we were married, we bought our first little house and moved into a neighborhood of young and growing families. We immediately made friends all around the neighborhood and on the first Memorial Day one of those friends called to invite us to a backyard BBQ at their home just around the corner from where we lived.
I was out talking to our neighbor from across the street when our mutual friend drove up and said she was collecting funds for the BBQ, and she gave us each an assignment and a recipe to follow. I was slightly taken aback. The BBQ turned out to be fun, but I have never forgotten the strict protocol that she wanted us to follow. I remember the recipe that she gave me was not easy to make and I was a little stressed.
Memorial Day should not be a stressful event. It should be a day where you remember those service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice, loved ones that have passed on, and a time to strengthen family and friend relationships by getting together for potlucks or backyard BBQs and parties.
According to this article from history.com Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and it was observed as far back as the Civil War. However, it was not until 1971 that it became an official holiday. Memorial Day was originally set aside to honor the people who died while serving in the military. However today not only does Memorial Day honor those service members who gave their lives, it is also a day for us to honor our lost relatives and friends, and it marks the start of the summer season in the United States.
Try a few of the following suggestions to start your family on a fun and memorable tradition that you can do every year.
Learn About Memorial Day
- Do an internet search to learn about the History of Decoration Day.
- Watch the History Channel.
- Go to the library and check out a book about the history of Federal holidays.
- Go on a scavenger hunt. Visit education.com for ideas.
Honor the Heroic Men and Women Who have Paid the Ultimate Price
Visit a veteran’s cemetery and learn of some of the service personnel who are buried there. If you have a family member that died while in the military, learn of him or her. Try some of the following suggestions:
- What branch of the military did they serve in?
- What rank were they?
- What were the circumstances surrounding their death?
- How are they related, and do they have living family members that you can interview?
- If you live near where they are buried visit the cemetery and decorate their grave?
If you live near or are visiting the Washington D.C. area plan a trip to Arlington National Cemetery or any of the war memorials in the National Mall.
Remember Family Members Who Have Passed Away
- Learn about your family genealogy.
- Read a story or a life history of an ancestor.
- Decorate the grave of a loved one.
Things to do with Children on Memorial Day
- Go on a picnic
- Visit a local park or playground
- Go to the beach
- Watch a movie in your backyard
- Go Boating
- Go Swimming
- Go on a family bike ride
- Take a walk or go on a hike
- Play outdoor games
- Have a water balloon fight
- Create sidewalk art with chalk
- Attend a parade or other community event
Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day with Friends and Family
- Host a backyard BBQ
- Invite neighbors over for brunch
- Have a game tournament
- Decorate your home with flags
- Plan a patriotic craft day
- Go for a scenic drive
- Visit a state or a national park
- Do volunteer work
- Put together care packages to send to the troops
- Make homemade ice cream (Visit www.tasteofhome.com for a great recipe.)
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have died serving our country. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our heroes, and to cherish the liberties we enjoy. And it’s a day to instruct our children about the importance of patriotism and service. Take some time to explain to your children why we remember those who have given their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
For many people, Memorial Day is simply a day off work or school. However, there are plenty of ways to make it a more meaningful and patriotic day. By taking the time to celebrate Memorial Day in a special way, you can create a tradition that will be cherished for years to come.
What will you do this year to start a Memorial Day tradition? Honor your loved ones, friends, or neighbors who have sacrificed for our freedom by finding ways to connect with and appreciate them. Whether you spend time at a parade, visit a memorial, or simply gather around a barbecue with family and friends, make sure to take some time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
