Celebrating Memorial Day

Memorial Day reminds us of the beginning of summer and picnic basket preparations for the beginning of warm weather entertainment. For some, Memorial Day is the peeling away from the cabin fever that sets in after many months of cold weather. Prepare yourself in advance for summer enjoyment and new adventures for your Memorial Day event.

• Bring out some photos of loved ones that have served in the military. It is wonderful to see family and friends in their military uniforms from different generations. Looking at photos will entice new conversations and provide you and your loved ones with hearing interesting stories from those who were and are still in the military. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the different or similarities of military occupations and experiences from different branches and wars.
• If you would like to discuss with your children of friends about Memorial Day bringing in a more educational perspective, try looking up poems and historical moments that may emphasize the importance of celebrating Memorial Day. Place a copy of the poem or historical account story by each person's table setting. Discuss your thoughts and feelings of those poems and stories.
• Create an outdoor movie theatre with a military oriented action movie or a movie that will work for you and your family and friends. Rent an inflatable movie screen and place outdoor seating and benches for all of your guests to watch a movie. Throw in some appetizers and popcorn.
• Placing a large carp on your outdoor ground and holding in place with seating and tables can help with you with a quick clean up after your guests have left. Place large garbage cans around your outdoor or indoor eating area. This is a subtle reminder to your guests to throw out disposable plates, plastic ware, and cups after usage.
• Lighting candles to celebrate your Memorial Day holiday is a wonderful way to remember those who have served in the military to allow the freedoms we now share. This is a tremendous opportunity to have some quiet time and reflect on what this holiday means to you and others.
• Hang up a Flag to commemorate your celebration. Decorate your home with red, white, and blue decor. Beautiful yellow ribbons are also a great touch to your home decor while recognizing others who serve in the military.

Memorial Day is a holiday full of past reminiscences and with an opportunity to make new memories. Start your summer festivity with wonderful food in a family and friends' setting, and with an opportunity to enjoy new activities with the possibilities of new memories for future Memorial Day holidays.