This upcoming Monday our nation takes a pause to honor our veterans and our active duty soldiers. We gather with family and friends to give thanks to all the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms. May 27th is a day to have fun and remember the sacrifices that are made for all American citizens, everyday. 

Since Memorial Day is a national holiday, many people will be able to enjoy a long weekend and kids will probably be out of school. Below are some ideas that the whole family can do together to celebrate this day of remembrance!

  • Write letters to soldiers
    • Handwritten letters to soldiers help them know that there are people back home who appreciate the sacrifices they make in order to serve their country. 
  • Create care packages for active military
    • Click here: Support Our Troops to learn about what you should and shouldn't include in care packages. Try to stay away from things that will melt and make sure all products are brand new and have never been opened. 
  • Go to a Memorial Day Parade
    • Many cities around the country have local parades in tribute to Memorial Day. 
  • Donate flowers for soldiers graves
    • Donate through Memorial Day Flowers, whose goal is to honor those who served by putting a flower on every grave. Learn how to volunteer or donate here: Memorial Day Flowers

One of the best parts of Memorial day is that it lets families come together and celebrate the beginning of the summer holiday. Barbecues and cookouts are a great way to bond with family, friends, and the community. Below are some links to traditional and tasty Memorial Day dishes.

  • Potato salad
    • Is the perfect side dish for the summer season!  Get the recipe here: Potato Salad
  • Grilled corn on the cob
    • A delicious addition to regular corn on the cob. Put the cobs on the grill and add some seasoning and you are golden. Get the recipe here: Grilled Corn on The Cob
  • Jalapeno Popper Burgers
    • For people who crave a little spice in their lives, these sliders are sure to hit the spot! Get the recipe here: Jalapeno Popper Burger
  • Raspberry Lemonade Pops
  • Grilled Chicken 
    • A classic entree for barbecues and cookouts! Get the recipe here: Grilled Chicken

The last thing you might want to know is where you should stay or visit during this long weekend. Below are a couple of places that have events that honor veterans and are family friendly.

  • Washington D.C.
    • National Memorial Day Parade. This popular parade in the nation's capital starts at 2:00 p.m (Eastern Daylight Time) and the route goes down Constitutional Avenue. If you can't make it to D.C. don't worry, the parade will be live streamed on YouTube and Millitary.com 
    • D.C. is also home too many monuments that honor fallen heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice for the land that they love. Places include: U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, U.S. Air Force Memorial, Vietnam Veterans and Women Memorials, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Soldier's Home.
  • Boston, MA
    • Boston Red Sox vs Cleveland Indians @ 4:05 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). The Red Sox will be giving away free Red Sox t-shirts that say "Class of 19" on them before the game.
    • Boston's Museum of Fine Arts offers free admission to visitors on Memorial Day from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
  • Houston, TX 
    • Houston Astros vs Chicago Cubs @ 1:10 p.m. There will be a special pregame ceremony in honor of Memorial Day and fans with a Memorial Day ticket add on will get a free camouflage Astros hat.  You can purchase tickets here: Memorial Day with The Astros
  • Denver, Colorado
    • Denver Arts Festival will take place May 25th and May 26th from 10:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m. The event is free and takes places at the Denver Arts Festival Conservatory. More information click here: 21st Denver Arts Festival

From everyone here at RV Outfitters of Texas, thank you veterans for all you have sacrificed for this country and it's people. We would also like to salute all the fallen heroes who never made it back home. Happy Memorial Day everyone and as always, safe travels!