Although Memorial Day is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy and extra day off and spend some time in the sun, it is also intended to be a day on which we honor those who have given their lives in miltary service. If you're looking for ideas on how to celebrate Memorial Day, you've come to the right place.

Although Memorial Day is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy and extra day off and spend some time in the sun, it is also intended to be a day on which we honor those who have given their lives in miltary service. If you're looking for ideas on how to celebrate Memorial Day, you've come to the right place.

• Since it is observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is often viewed as the unofficial kick-off to summer. While a picnic, barbecue, camping trip or outdoor sporting event may be on your agenda, you may also want to consider celebrating by honoring the men and women of the U.S. Military who have sacrificed themselves for the nation.

(Creative Commons photo by Sister72)

• There are many ways in which you can honor those who have served in the military. If nothing else, take a break to observe a the national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Other ways to honor those who have served include:

1. Attending a local parade or Memorial Day service
2. Visiting a graveyard and placing flowers or a flag on the grave of someone you have lost or that of any fallen soldier buried there
3. Volunteering at a local veteran's home
4. Making a donation to a veteran's association
5. Raising a flag in your yard and flying it at half mast from sunrise until noon in accordance with tradition
6. Taking time to teach children about the true meaning of Memorial Day
7. Visiting a museum to learn more about America's proud military history

• Memorial Day is also an excellent time to spend time with friends and family and enjoy outdoor activities. For instance, you could:

1. Attend or host a barbecue
2. Take the family on a long-weekend camping trip
3. Make and, of course, eat a flag cake or Memorial Day cupcakes
4. Attend a local sporting event or, better yet, gather friends and family together for your own baseball, football or soccer game
5. Spend a relaxing day at the beach
6. Pack a picnic and take the family to a local park to enjoy it

• Regardless of how you decide to spend your Memorial Day, include some quality time with friends and family in your celebration. Try to keep in mind what the holiday is all about and take, at the very least, a few moments to privately honor the men and women of the U.S. military who have given their lives in service of the nation.

• 
  

• Introduction
• In the Spirit of the Holiday
• Outdoor Activities
• Conclusion