The Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel times each year due to the wonderful weather conditions throughout most of the America. After a long and cold winter, people are ready for road trips, train travel and airplane rides that take them to nearby or faraway locations. First, it is important to understand the original purpose of the
Memorial Day holiday. This day was established to honor the individuals who died serving in the country’s armed forces such as the army and navy. In the past, people traditionally visited cemeteries to place wreaths on deceased soldier’s graves, and some individuals still do this today.
5) Attend Parades, Picnics and Concerts at the Last Minute
Many towns long ago and today have parades to honor the military services with soldiers and sailors participating in the events. After the parade ends, everyone meets at a designated location such as a public park to have a picnic or barbecue. In addition, towns and cities may sponsor speakers or concerts with a patriotic theme. All of these activities are perfect for individuals wanting to have an enjoyable day at the last minute on a limited budget because many of these events are 100% free.
4) Visit Local Cemeteries
Visiting local cemeteries to place wreaths on soldier’s graves is a time-honored tradition. Today, many families use the Memorial Day weekend to decorate other grave sites that belong to deceased relatives or friends. This is an excellent way to teach children about their past with a genealogy lesson. In many cases, old tombstones require repair or cleaning to make the names and dates legible, but first ask the cemetery maintenance team about the legality of making unauthorized changes.
3) See a Fireworks Display
Many cities and towns sponsor fireworks displays that are often located in public parks. This type of event is usually free to attend and suitable for individuals of any age. Some regions combine this with other activities such as festivals with food trucks, carnival rides and musical entertainment. The fireworks begin right after dusk with people sitting on chairs or reclining on blankets to watch a safe and monitored display.
2) Go to an Old Battlefield
Within the Unites States, there are many battlefields from wars that occurred long ago. Memorial Day is often when these historical sites open with free or low-cost admission to learn about the battles that took place. In many cases, there are public tours with guides able to explain the events that occurred during one or more battles on a specific location. It is possible to find these battlefield sites with an Internet search of different regions.
1) Arrange Family Reunions
One of the most popular things to do on Memorial Day is have a family reunion. These events are simple to organize at the last minute by having a potluck meal with everyone bringing different foods and beverages. No one expects fancy tablecloths or delicate china at a family reunion. It is traditional to setup a charcoal grill for everyone to cook foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs or chicken with side dishes of potato salad, coleslaw and tomato slices. The best part of a family reunion is visiting with aunts, uncles and cousins in one place.
