Memorial Day looks a little bit different this year. While Memorial Day is normally filled with patriotic parades, sparklers and community events, this year’s celebration looks noticeably empty compared to previous years. Yet we still recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country, and there are a few ways you can honor them while maintaining social distance.
Hang The American Flag
You can’t have Memorial Day without the American flag. Hang your flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to the top and let the red, white and blue shine until sunset. It's a small gesture that goes a long way in honoring our country's heroes.
Get Ready To Cookout
Fire up the grill and throw on a couple of hamburger patties, hot dogs, sausages, bratwursts or steaks to fill up you and your family’s bellies. After all, nothing says “America” quite like a classic backyard barbecue.
Make A Backyard Campfire
When you’re done with dinner, go outside, gather some wood and make a campfire. You can casually watch the flames flicker and burn, or you can break out the marshmallows and make your own s'mores while enjoying the nighttime embers.
Read A History Book
A great way to reflect on America's legacy is to revisit the history that brought us here. If you don’t have any history books lying around the house, you can access the Smithsonian’s digital library online or check out free ebooks from Barnes & Noble and Open Library.
Set Up A Video Call
If you’re away from loved ones that you normally spend Memorial Day with, set up a video call and spend the holiday with them through Zoom or FaceTime. Even though you’re apart, you can still be together to celebrate America’s soldiers.
Go On A Memorial Virtual Tour
The best way to honor America’s fallen is to pay them a visit at their memorials. While it’s harder to do that in person this year, several organizations are offering virtual tours of their memorial sites online, including USAA’s Poppy Wall of Honor, the World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Watch The National Memorial Day Concert
If you miss community gatherings, you can be part of one in spirit with the National Memorial Day Concert, which airs at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 24 on PBS. Actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will co-host, and the show will feature virtual performances from Christopher Jackson, Cynthia Erivo, Trace Adkins, Mary McCormack and the National Symphony Orchestra.