do you have a memorial day tradition?
For some it’s the promise of summer. For others, it’s the extra day off with family and friends. And still for others, it’s the food, or the moment  spent in national reflection. It seems there are innumerable reasons to love Memorial Day, and all of these fall high on my list, but as I get older I’m realizing that much of the appeal is that for me, Memorial Day is always the same. Every year I go home to my parents house. We have  a casual garden buffet across the street with the neighborhood, and all walk down to the corner to watch the annual parade. It’s small town America at its best and while the faces change as children grow up and move away, the tradition of it has stuck, and the simple ritual makes it one of my favorite holidays. And this year, my Grammy’s in town! How about you readers? How will you be spending the weekend? — Sarah C.
Photo by Flickr user ginnerobot
When I was younger my family would go to gatherings and honor those who served our country now that we have spread out across the country we gather in smaller local groups BBQ, enjoy family dishes, recall those no longer with us and share the stories with the younger generations..Have A Great Holiday!
This is the first weekend for us that it is safe to plant annuals or tender veggies, but otherwise really similar to yours.
1. wake up to bag-pipers warming up on my front lawn as they prepare to march in the only parade that goes past my own house.
3. go home to parents even smaller town to watch their parade; entire town then follows behind end of parade and gathers at flag pole in front of school for veteran’s ceremony, which is just a way of making everyone listen to the marching band and our grandfather’s until the chicken barbecue is ready… when the little pre-girlscouts float paper boats down the stream everyone knows it is chicken time!
Aw yeah! @ Ellie – we also follow the parade down to the (tiny) town square for a remembrance ceremony. That paper boat tradition is so cute! Everyone loves the girl/boy scouts in our parade because they throw candy into the crowd. I love Memorial Day! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Growing up, ever Memorial Day weekend we’d hop in the car and make the 7.5 hour trek down to my Grama’s house out in the CA desert. All of my parent’s childhood friends would all drive out and meet up for a huge barbecue out among the cactus and rocks. I remember tons of kickball, softball, fresh squeezed lemonade, and scavenger hunts. Even after my dad passed away, all of his friends and us kids would still head out there.
It’s been about 3 years since I’ve been, though, since moving to the Northwest. I still feel a little nostalgic, but I’m focusing on my husband, who is celebrating his 40th birthday on Sunday!
[...] 1) You wake up to bagpipers on holidays. Ellie says: “1. wake up to bag-pipers warming up on my front lawn as they prepare to march in the only parade that goes past my own house. 2. go home to parents’ even smaller town to watch their parade; entire town then follows behind end of parade and gathers at flag pole in front of school for veteran’s ceremony, which is just a way of making everyone listen to the marching band and our grandfathers until the chicken barbecue is ready… when the little pre-girl scouts float paper boats down the stream everyone knows it is chicken time.” We’re not even certain we follow that, Ellie, but we like it. How was your Memorial Day? [...]