Making the Most of Memorial Day
Family Activities, Surprising History, and Meaningful Traditions
Memorial Day might officially kick off summer with barbecues and beach trips, but at its core, it’s one of the most meaningful holidays we celebrate. It's a day of remembrance, reflection, and yes, a chance to make some new memories with the people we love!
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to keep the spirit of a holiday intact while still making it fun and personal. So let’s dive into some meaningful Memorial Day activities you can do with your family, a little about the real history behind the holiday, and a few ideas to make the most of the long weekend.
(Spoiler alert: Yes, there will be food involved. And yes, I’ll squeeze in a couple of affiliate links for cool stuff you might want to snag.)
First, A Quick Trip Back in Time: What Memorial Day Really Means
Memorial Day started just after the Civil War, back when it was known as "Decoration Day." People would gather to lay flowers on the graves of soldiers who died during the war. It wasn’t until after World War I that it expanded to honor fallen soldiers from all American wars.
The tradition of decorating graves was inspired by the way Southern women honored both Confederate and Union soldiers after the war. Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday in 1971, but people had been gathering and remembering long before that.
Interestingly, Waterloo, New York, is officially recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day because of its early, organized community-wide events.
Today, it’s easy to get caught up in the long-weekend energy, but at its heart, Memorial Day is about honoring sacrifice. Taking a moment to remember that real people gave their lives so the rest of us could enjoy everything from backyard BBQs to random Tuesday Target runs on this weekend is a must.
So while you’re planning your day, it’s worth weaving in a small moment of remembrance. It doesn’t have to be somber, just meaningful.
Family-Friendly Activities to Celebrate Memorial Day
Whether you’re staying home or heading out, here are some fun, easy ways to spend the day:
1. Create a Red, White, and Blue Picnic
Pack foods that fit the theme: strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, potato salad, grilled hot dogs. Bonus points for anything that can be cut into star shapes.
A great picnic blanket that’s waterproof and easy to fold up makes life about 100x easier.
2. Attend a Local Parade or Ceremony
Many towns have Memorial Day parades or ceremonies at local parks or cemeteries. Bring small flags to wave, and take a moment to appreciate the veterans and families who have given so much.
3. Write Thank-You Cards to Veterans
Even though Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers, reaching out to living veterans can be a wonderful activity, especially for kids! Local VA hospitals or veteran organizations often accept cards. Bonus: it teaches kids gratitude and community.
4. Backyard Games Extravaganza
Set up easy backyard games: cornhole, water balloon toss, three-legged races, sack races. (You can make it "official" with a little outdoor games kit, which is totally worth it if you have kids or a competitive streak.) Don’t forget a little blow-up pool to stay cool!
5. Memory Jar or Time Capsule
Have everyone write down a favorite memory, something they’re grateful for, or something they want to accomplish before next Memorial Day. Seal it in a jar or box, and open it next year.
6. Cook Something "American Classics" Style
Fire up the grill, sure, but maybe also bake an apple pie, make fresh lemonade, or roast marshmallows. These little traditions add a deeper layer of "home" to the day.
7. DIY Patriotic Crafts
Spend a morning making simple crafts like paper lanterns, flag-themed wreaths, or handprint flags with the kids. It’s fun and lets everyone get involved in the spirit of the day.
9. Host a Movie Night Featuring War Movies or Historical Films
Watch classics like "Saving Private Ryan," “The Patriot,” "Glory," or "Lincoln" with older kids or adults to reflect on American history and the cost of freedom.
10. Plant a Memorial Garden
Dedicate a small space in your yard to fallen soldiers. Plant red, white, and blue flowers, or just a space of peace and quiet reflection.
A Sample Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary
If you’re someone (like me) who likes a good plan, here’s a super chill outline:
Saturday:
Morning: Craft time with kids, make flags or wreaths.
Afternoon: Grocery shopping and prepping picnic food.
Evening: Backyard games tournament + barbecue.
Sunday:
Morning: Visit a memorial or attend a parade.
Afternoon: Family picnic at a local park.
Evening: Family movie night with a historical movie.
Monday (Memorial Day):
Morning: Moment of silence at 3 PM.
Afternoon: Time capsule project + backyard relaxing.
Evening: Grilled dinner + sharing memories.
A Few Lesser-Known Memorial Day Facts to Share at the BBQ
The "National Moment of Remembrance" happens at 3:00 PM local time. Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to honor the fallen.
Memorial Day wasn’t a federal holiday until 1971.
The red poppy became a symbol of Memorial Day after World War I, thanks to the poem "In Flanders Fields."
Over 620,000 soldiers died in the Civil War alone, the bloodiest conflict in American history.
The Indianapolis 500 has been held on Memorial Day weekend since 1911.
Inspirational Quotes to Reflect On
Sometimes, a few well-chosen words say everything:
“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.” — Barack Obama
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain
“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Feel free to print one out and frame it for the day or share it at your gathering!
What to Eat and Bring for Memorial Day: Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Ideas
Memorial Day is basically the unofficial start of food season. Whether you're hosting or showing up with a dish, here’s what to make, bring, and eat to keep things fun, delicious, and stress-free.
Classic Memorial Day Foods Everyone Loves
You can never go wrong with the classics:
Grilled favorites: Burgers, hot dogs, veggie skewers, and even grilled corn on the cob.
Pasta salads: Cold, colorful pasta salads are easy to make ahead and travel well.
Fresh fruit: Watermelon, berry mixes, and pineapple slices bring the summer vibes.
Chips and dips: Salsa, guacamole, spinach dip (just open and serve).
Easy Dishes to Bring if You're a Guest
Showing up with a dish? Here are easy wins:
Pasta salad: Travels well, feeds a crowd, and doesn't get weird if it sits out.
Potato salad: Classic or loaded with bacon and chives, always a hit!
Brownies or cookies: Stack them on a cute tray, and you’ll be the hero.
Fruit platter: Fresh, refreshing, and colorful. You can even theme it red, white, and blue.
Pro tip: A collapsible cooler makes it ridiculously easy to keep everything fresh without lugging a giant hard cooler around.
Simple Grill Ideas for Hosts
If you're hosting, keep the grill menu easy and fun:
Burger bar: Offer regular burgers, veggie burgers, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a few fun sauces.
Hot dogs and sausages: Easy to grill and serve.
Veggie skewers: Marinated mushrooms, peppers, onions, and zucchini.
Grilled corn: Slather with butter and sprinkle with salt.
Patriotic-Themed Treats That Are Actually Easy
Want to be festive without needing a culinary degree? Try:
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Marshmallows
Star-Shaped Sugar Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
Mini Flag Cupcakes:
Vanilla cupcake mix
White frosting
Fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries for topping
Pro Tips for Stress-Free Memorial Day Food
Prep ahead: Make salads, desserts, and marinades the day before.
Keep cold food cold: Bring ice packs and coolers if needed.
Don't overcomplicate: Simple, hearty foods always win over fancy stuff.
Pack extras: Napkins, utensils, and paper plates are the unsung heroes of any outdoor gathering.
Whether you're cooking up a storm or bringing a store-bought tray (no judgment here), the goal is simple: make good memories, share good food, and keep things easy.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Meaningful
At the end of the day, Memorial Day doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to host an epic party or plan a perfect Instagram-worthy event.
A small moment of gratitude. A family memory made. A laugh shared over sticky watermelon hands.
That’s what it’s all about.
Happy Memorial Day, friends. ❤️
