As Memorial Day approaches, it’s important to remember what the holiday truly is about: honoring those who lost their lives serving our country. While many people take advantage of the long weekend to hit the beach or have a BBQ, it’s crucial to find ways to commemorate the holiday meaningfully.
Wondering when is Memorial Day 2023? It falls on Monday, May 29 so you’ve still got some time to find out what to do on the long weekend—which is also the unofficial start of summer! And if you read this blog a little too late, you can use all these ideas for Memorial Day 2024.
What will you find here? Attend a Memorial Day parade, participate in a moment of silence, write a letter to a soldier, make a donation to a veteran’s organization, have a BBQ, and hold a moment of silence.
Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony or Parade
Many communities hold parades and ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers. Attending one of these events can be a powerful way to show your support and pay your respects.
If you’re asking yourself “Where’s a Memorial Day parade near me?” check out the American Veterans’ Center or your local newspaper, they’ll surely have useful information.
Participate in a Moment of Silence
At 3:00 pm on Memorial Day, a national moment of silence is observed to remember and honor those who have died in service to our country. Holding a minute or two of complete silence will always be good so you can take a moment to pause and reflect.
Write a Letter to a Soldier
While we honor those who have died in service to our country on Memorial Day, it’s also important to remember those who are currently serving.
Writing a letter to a soldier is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Soldiers often spend long periods of time away from their loved ones and receiving a letter can help boost their morale and provide a sense of connection to home.
Make a Donation to a Veterans’ Organization
Donating to veteran’s organizations is a great way to commemorate Memorial Day and show support for those who have served our country. There are many organizations that provide support and assistance to veterans and their families & they rely on donations to carry out their super important work.
Some of the top veteran organizations to consider donating to include:
- Wounded Warrior Project provides a range of programs and services to support veterans who have been wounded in combat, as well as their families.
- The Fisher House Foundation provides free lodging to families of veterans who are receiving medical treatment at VA hospitals across the country.
- Disabled American Veterans help disabled veterans and their families access the benefits they are entitled to and provide other forms of support.
- Homes for Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans.
The Gary Sinise Foundation supports veterans, first responders, and their families through a range of programs and services, including building specially adapted homes, providing financial assistance, and hosting events to honor and support these individuals.
Have a BBQ and Hold a Moment of Silence
The best Memorial Day food will always be those included in a BBQ! Besides being delicious, having a BBQ is a good way to gather all your loved ones in one place with multiple food options for everyone.
One way to level up fantastically your Memorial Day food is with French macaron boxes. Not only are macarons a delicious and elegant addition to any gathering, but they can also serve as a symbol of remembrance. Wondering how? Get one of our Build Your Own Boxes or Build Your Own Pyramid and fill it up with flavors that have the colors of the United States flag.
Most importantly, consider holding a moment of silence before you start eating. This can be a powerful way to honor the fallen and remind everyone of the true meaning of the holiday.
No matter how you choose to commemorate Memorial Day, it’s important to remember the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and focus on having a good time during the long weekend while also being respectful and mindful of the true meaning of this day.
