Observed on the last Monday of May each year, Memorial
Day is a U.S. federal holiday honoring those who died while actively serving
in the armed forces. It originated during the American Civil War as “Decoration
Day” when citizens respectfully decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with
flowers.
The first national observance was in 1868 and after WWI, the
named was changed to Memorial Day. In 1971, it became a federal holiday.
Throughout the U.S., there are parades and ceremonies and observed by visits to
cemeteries where flags and other items are placed on the graves of veterans.
Memorial Day however, is also an ideal time to spend time with family and
friends during the long holiday weekend.
Here are some top picks for celebrating the gateway-to-summer
holiday that include patriotic and cultural events, beach destinations,
outdoor adventures, relaxing getaways or a combination of commemorative and fun
events.
PHOTO: Arlington National Cemetery. (photo via Pixabay)
Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital is notably the most meaningful destination
for a Memorial Day observance. The city hosts major patriotic ceremonies,
parades, concerts, and happenings throughout the weekend. The National Memorial
Day Parade is the signature event as thousands of spectators line Constitution
Avenue to watch marching bands, historic reenactors, patriotic performances, military
units and veterans groups. In addition, many visitors attend the Arlington
National Cemetery ceremonies which include wreath-laying and the iconic
changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
American flag waves in front of New York City skyline. (Photo Credit: Volodymyr/Adobe)
New York City
This is one of the best U.S. Memorial Day destinations as it
combines patriotic events, early-summer weather, culture, beaches, nightlife
and the never-ending pulse of the city all in one trip.
One of the biggest reasons travelers choose NYC for Memorial
Day is Fleet Week, bringing thousands of active-duty Navy, Marine Corps, and
Coast Guard service members into the city. The event includes civilian visits
to military ships docked in Manhattan, aviation performances, military
demonstrations and concerts and ceremonies, providing a patriotic vibe that’s unique
to Memorial Day weekend.
USS Midway, San Diego (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
San Diego
Combining picture-perfect weather, beaches, military
traditions, outdoor activities and a relaxed Southern California atmosphere,
San Diego stands out for a Memorial Day weekend visit.
The city has one of the largest military communities in the
U.S., especially the Navy and Marine Corps, giving San Diego a natural
connection to the meaning of the holiday. Military ceremonies, patriotic
concerts, military flyovers, harbor tributes, veterans’ events and ship-related
activities near the Embarcadero waterfront are all part of the commemoration. The
USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier docked in San Diego Harbor also
hosts special patriotic activities and commemorations.
Boston Common public park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe)
Boston
Boston is central to early American history and the
Revolutionary War and during Memorial Day weekend, the city combines long-term
American history, military tradition, patriotic ceremonies and a strong sense
of remembrance.
The Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill Monument and the USS
Constitution all reinforce themes of military service and sacrifice. One of the
city’s most moving traditions is the display at Boston Common with thousands of
American flags honoring Massachusetts service members who died during military
service. Balancing both sides of Memorial Day, Boston also includes Red Sox baseball
at Fenway Park, harbor nightlife, amazing seafood restaurants and neighborhood
festivals.
Richmond, VA
Known for its 17 war memorials and over 1700 veteran-owned
businesses, Richmond is an ideal Memorial Day destination. Visitors into
American history, military remembrance, riverfront scenery and a quieter more
reflective atmosphere than busier places like New York will find Richmond a
great choice.
The city was the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil
War so Richmond is filled with battle-related sites, historic cemeteries,
museums, memorials and preserved architecture. The city also offers historic
neighborhoods, an easily walkable riverfront promenade and Southern culture and
food.
Vicksburg Courthouse Fireworks (Photo Credit: Visit Vicksburg)
Vicksburg, MS
Sitting directly on the eastern bank of the Mississippi
River, Vicksburg is one of the most historically significant places in the U.S.
for military remembrance and Civil War history. Its location on the high bluffs
above the river is the reason the city became so strategically important during
the Civil War.
Vicksburg National Park offers a variety of events that
includes a U.S. flag placement at each individual grave site in remembrance of
lost military lives. The Memorial Day weekend continues with battle walks,
reenactments and firing demonstrations along with the 14th Annual
Symphony at Sunset, where locals and visitors gather their lawn chairs and
blankets to enjoy patriotic music on the battlefield.
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg like its sister battlefield Vicksburg represented
a great Union victory on the very same day. Together they spelled the beginning
of the end of our Civil War. This picturesque battlefield with rolling hills
and farmland is also home to the Gettysburg National Cemetery, the site of
President Abrham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address.
The centerpiece event is the annual downtown parade and
ceremony following at Soldiers’ National Cemetery, an event held continuously
since 1867. One especially moving tradition is a bugler playing “Taps” each
evening at the ceremony and continuing nightly throughout the summer. Other
activities include patriotic concerts and choral performances, Gettysburg
National Military Park battlefield tours, special museum exhibits and living history
demonstrations.
PHOTO: Cannon at Fort Sumter. (photo via Pixabay)
Charleston, S.C.
This charming Southern belle combines cobblestone streets,
historic architecture, nearby beaches, cultural festivals, a picturesque harbor
and Memorial Day ceremonies at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.
Charleston has strong connections to American military
history given the first shots of the Civil War were fired from Fort Sumter,
making it one of the most historically significant sites in America. With its
Revolutionary war past and naval heritage, the city offers a Memorial Day weekend
that feels meaningful, yet relaxed. During the holiday, the top attractions
include harbor cruises, waterfront parks, sailing, sunset views and
military-themed tours.
Mackinac Island (Photo via Noreen Kompanik)
Mackinac Island, MI
One of the most unique and charming Memorial Day
destinations in the U.S., Mackinac Island offers a quieter, nostalgic, yet
highly patriotic experience. Memorial Day on the island is more about
tradition, Americana and history, all blended with natural beauty.
The peaceful, old-fashioned ambience feels almost frozen in
time where visitors get around by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or walking.
Mackinac Island has deep military roots tied to the American Revolution era,
the War of 1812 and Great Lakes military history. The historic centerpiece is
Fort Mackinac offering military re-enactments and cannon demonstrations.
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