Typically, Memorial Day consists of breaking out the grill and having pool parties with family and friends. This is all great, but often we tend to forget the real reason for this holiday. Memorial Day is intended to be patriotic, honoring those who serve or have served our country in the military. There’s plenty of ways to party while still honoring the men and women in our armed forces! Here are some patriotic ways to celebrate Memorial Day.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade/ Released
Parades
Parades are a great way to celebrate Memorial Day. They’re fun, you can bring your family and friends, and they have a patriotic focus. Some of the Memorial Day Parades happening in cities across the U.S. are listed below.
NYC: The biggest Memorial Day Parade is starting at 1 pm on Grand Ave. at 77nd St. in Queens on Sunday.
The 149 year old Brooklyn parade starts in Bay Ridge at 101 St. and 4th Ave at 10 a.m.
Manhattan’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Day Observance takes place at Riverside Dr. and 89th Street at 10am.
LA: The biggest Memorial Day parade starts in Chatsworth at the Valley Relics Museum a on May 25, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm. This parade is followed up on May 27th from 9am to 10am for a ceremony. On May 30th, there will be a great Memorial Day celebration at Sherman Way and Remmet Avenue, and also at Owensmouth Ave.
Miami: There will be a great Memorial Day Parade/Celebration starting in Triangle Park. The Miami Springs Senior High School’s J.R.O.T.C will present the Colors in honor of the fallen soldiers. The celebration starts at 10 a.m.
Read a Classic War Story
There are so many incredible and heartbreaking books about war. Take the time to relax over this long weekend and give yourself a perspective on what our military goes through. Some classic books to check out are The Things They Carried, The Outpost, The Longest Day, and A Rumor of War.
Courtesy of DreamWorks Pictures
Watch a Classic War Film
If a movie is maybe more appealing than reading a book for you, try checking out some of these classic war films. They bring the horror, and bravery, of war to life in a way that can sometimes make you feel as though you’re actually there. I recommend Saving Private Ryan; Good Morning, Vietnam; Schindler’s List; and Full Metal Jacket.
Enjoy yourself this Memorial Day weekend, but remember the reason for the celebration!
Read more Holiday blogs on ClicheMag.com
Featured image courtesy of Getty
