How to Celebrate Memorial Day at Home
Memorial Day is often celebrated with a whole host of community events, like parades, concerts and block parties. While most events have been canceled this year, you can still make the most out of your Memorial Day at home. With COVID-19 still spreading, you may also want to steer clear of any big parties or group gatherings. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that you and your immediate family have to ignore the holiday altogether. Here are a few great ways to recognize Memorial Day at home!
Learn More About the Holiday
While we often view Memorial Day as the start of summer, we don’t always pay as much attention to the true meaning of Memorial Day. This holiday is an opportunity to honor service members who lost their lives serving the country. Remembering the true meaning of the holiday and sharing it with your children may add a somber tone to the day, but it can also make your family more appreciative of the sacrifice fallen soldiers made.
Pay Your Respects
The “National Moment of Remembrance” is at 3:00 PM local time. This is a great opportunity to set aside a few moments to think about the true meaning of the holiday and pay your respects. If someone in your household plays trumpet, you may wish to have them play taps. If not, you could also listen to them performed by the United States Navy Band on YouTube.
Make Patriotic Crafts
Patriotic craft projects can be a fun way to spend the day. You and your family can make decorations to give your home a more festive look. Once the holiday is over, don’t throw your patriotic crafts away! You can bring them back out for Independence Day, Labor Day, and Election Day!
Fly the Flag
The Memorial Day Foundation suggests you fly your flag at half-staff until noon as a sign of mourning. Putting out your flag can also make the day feel more like a holiday, even if you don’t leave your house. When handling your flag, be sure to follow proper flag etiquette. This guide from the VFW can help!
Look at Online Museum Exhibitions
Since the holiday is all about honoring service members who lost their lives in war, you could show your respect by learning more about what they went through. Several museums have online exhibits to help! These include the National Archives, The National WWI Museum and Memorial, The National WWII Museum (New Orleans), and the National Veterans Art Museum.
Have a Cookout or Picnic
Cookouts are a classic Memorial Day tradition! Since the holiday marks the unofficial start of summer, cooking outside seems like a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather. If you have yard space, you might have a cookout or a picnic in your yard. No outdoor space? No problem! You can enjoy cookout foods in the comfort of your own home.
Some people usually enjoy big group gatherings on Memorial Day, but a cookout or picnic with just your family can be just as fun. Even if you’re quarantining alone, having your own cookout can make the day special. Need some inspiration? Check out our list of meatless Memorial Day recipes!
How are you planning on observing Memorial Day at home? Share your plans in the comments section below!
