Looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend? Try these 13 Memorial Day activities for new traditions to make your weekend more meaningful and memorable. Memorial Day is a time to remember fallen soldiers and to commemorate the lives of deceased loved ones.
1. Receive the Message of the Resurrection
Before visiting the gravesite of a loved one, seek to internalize the reality of the resurrection. Read and ponder about the account of Christ’s Resurrection in the New Testament and Book of Mormon. Read the words of the prophets and apostles to strengthen your understanding of the Resurrection.
2.Time Travel Through Journal Entries and Pictures
Wish you could understand what life would have been like for your family members in the past? You can experience time travel by reading journal entries of family members who are deceased. Journal accounts and pictures enable you to understand the universality of human experience and feel a connection to your progenitors.
3. Cook a Favorite Family Meal
Sitting around the dinner table can be one of the best ways to connect as a family. Rather than reverting to the typical Memorial Day meal ideas of hot dogs and potato salad, choose to branch out and prepare the favorite meal of your family members who have passed on as a way of honoring and remembering them. Make your Memorial Day meal the connector between past and present.
4.Write Personal Stories and Record Memories
Choose to record! Whether you decide to record events that transpire on Memorial Day, memories you retain about deceased family members, or personal histories, make sure your journal entries are unique, honest, and detailed. Let your personality shine through.
5. Do Family History: Prepare Names for the Temple
Search for family members who may not have their temple work done. You may be surprised once you start looking how many gave their lives in defense of freedom. Check military records for insights into their military service. Both familysearch.org and ancestory.com have resources where you are able to search military records.
Dennis B. Neuenschwander, a former member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, said that “Family history research provides the emotional bridge between the generations. Temple ordinances provide the priesthood bridge. Temple ordinances are the priesthood ratification of the connection that we have already established in our hearts.”
6. Serve the Family of a Deployed Service Member
Reach out to a family who has a loved one away on military duty. Honor servicemen and women by serving their families back home. Look for ways to ease burdens and relieve stress. Seek to strengthen, sustain, and build up military families. Remembering current servicemen and women is a perfect way to honor those who have given their lives in defense of freedom.
7. Take Time to Make Memorial Day Memories
Memorial Day Monday can be utilized by spending time with family. Not only should you remember those who have passed away, but remember to not let time pass away before you decide to make memories with those you love. Do Memorial Day activities that create bonds, solidify friendships, and strengthen relationships. Do this honoring the limits demanded by the Covid restraints.
The time that I have spent with my family outdoors exploring the sand dunes near our home, playing games, and sharing a Memorial Day meal together are among my most treasured memories.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said,
“In family relationships love is really spelled T. I. M. E.”
8. Plant Flowers and Trees
This year try something new by planting a flower or tree as a continual reminder of a person you love. Each time you pass the flower or tree you will be reminded of the person you cherish. Plant a tree in memory of a loved one or choose a flower that represents some aspect of that person’s life. Memorial Day doesn’t have to be the only day you honor and remember those who have died.
9. Visit a Historical Site or Community Event
Make a plan to go to a historical site or community event. Doing so will be an enjoyable cultural event. Seek to broaden your horizons by learning about historical events, figures, and places. Expand your ability to understand and appreciate the lives that have been lost in past conflicts by visiting Memorial Day services honoring servicemen and women. Many traditional events have been curtailed by Covid; see what you can find onlin.
10. Visit a Friend Who Recently Lost a Loved One
Holidays can be a difficult time for those who have recently lost a loved one. Especially on a day like Memorial Day search out those who need to have their burdens lifted. There are many within your circle of influence who can benefit from a kind word or a good deed. Honor your covenants by bearing another person’s burdens. Again, these kinds of things have moved online during the pandemic. Go to the Facebook page Worldwide Unified and offer prayers and sympathy to people reaching out there.
11. Pause at 3 PM
One tradition that is largely unknown by the general populous is the custom to pause at 3 PM local time to remember those who have died in battle. As you participate in what is known as the National Moment of Remembrance you join other men and women around the United States as they remember fallen soldiers.
12. Visit a Veterans Hospital
Share the day with those who may need a visit at a local Veterans Hospital. Ask residents to tell you about their experiences in the military. Learn from the wisdom of experience as they explain to you what it was like to lose a close friend in battle, have a brother injured on the front-lines, or see their country torn during a war. Show appreciation by lending a listening ear and a warm smile. Again, this will be impossible during Covid. Add this to your New Year’s resolutions for next year.
13. Write a Letter to a Member of the Military
Take the time to write a kind note to a person serving in the military. Thank them for their service and offer consolation for those they have lost on the battlefield. Seek to brighten another person’s day by offering a kind word.
“Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years.”- President Thomas S. Monson
Decide today what you will do to make this Memorial Day unique and memorable. What traditions does your family have for celebrating Memorial Day? Share your traditions with us in the comment box.
