I Earned It LLC

7 Things To Do Over Memorial Day Weekend

May 22, 2023 /

Originally published on the I Earned It Blog.

Celebrate and Honor Those We’ve Lost

Memorial Day is Monday, May 29, 2023. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who died in the line of duty in the United States. On May 5, 1868, the first Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. It was celebrated to honor our dead, according to US Memorial Day.

Here are 7 things to do over this Memorial Day weekend:

  1. Take a moment to remember and honor those who have served our country. You could visit a military cemetery, fly the American flag at half-staff until noon, participate in a moment of silence at 3pm, donate to a veteran’s organization, or thank a veteran for their service.
  2. Join a Memorial Day Race. Many states host Memorial Day races; whether you’re looking for a 5K, 10K or marathon, there’s sure to be a race for you. If you’re located in colorful Colorado like I Earned It LLC is, you can join the Bolder Boulder. The 10K started over 40 years ago and has around 40,000 participants and 70,000 spectators.
  3. Attend a parade or festival. See if you can find a parade or festival in your local area to celebrate Memorial Day. If you can’t find a parade near you, you can watch the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 2pm ET.
  4. Volunteer at a local organization or charity. Many organizations may have volunteer opportunities on Memorial Day. Consider reaching out to local veterans or military organizations, community centers, or nonprofits that support causes you are passionate about. You can also search for volunteer opportunities on websites such as VolunteerMatch or Idealist.
  5. Donate to a Veterans organization. There are many veterans organizations that you can donate to, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, and the Fisher House Foundation. Researching the organizations carefully before donating is always a good idea to ensure your contribution will be used effectively.
  6. Send a care package to our troops. To send a care package to troops, you can start by finding a reputable organization specializing in collecting and distributing care packages, such as Operation Gratitude or Soldiers’ Angels. When selecting items to include in the care package, consider non-perishable snacks, personal hygiene items, entertainment (books, magazines, puzzles), and handwritten letters of appreciation. 
  7. Have a BBQ with family and friends. Barbecues are often associated with Memorial Day in the U.S. because it is a national holiday that marks the unofficial start of the summer season. Many people celebrate by gathering with friends and family for outdoor activities such as barbecuing. Additionally, Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country, and a BBQ can be a way to bring people together to celebrate their lives and contributions.

However you celebrate, remember to honor those who lost their lives fighting for our country.