Family-Friendly Memorial Day Activities + Chef Marco's Barbeque Sauce Recipe

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It is a time to remember the brave men and women from the US military who gave their lives for our country. As families take part in Memorial Day activities, it’s important to think about the true meaning of this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day started after the Civil War and was first called Decoration Day. People would visit graves and decorate them with flowers to honor fallen soldiers. In 1971, it became a national holiday, and now we observe it on the last Monday in May. Many people use this three-day weekend to enjoy a getaway, attend live music events, or relax with loved ones. But the day is also meant to show respect to those who served.

Taking part in Memorial Day weekend events, like a Memorial Day parade or a Memorial Day ceremony, helps us show our support. Whether you're going to an in-person event in Washington DC or watching a Memorial Day concert on PBS, these activities help remind us why we celebrate.

Ideas for Memorial Day Activities 

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, offering a chance for families and friends to come together. Whether you're attending a Memorial Day parade, enjoying live music, or hosting a backyard BBQ, there are many ways to observe the holiday. 

This three-day weekend provides the perfect opportunity to balance remembrance with relaxation. From in-person Memorial Day ceremonies to fun activities that include the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony

Participating in a Memorial Day ceremony is a meaningful way to pay respects to fallen soldiers. These events are held across the country, often at local cemeteries, memorials, or town centers. They may include speeches from veterans, military flyovers, or the playing of taps. Some ceremonies also include a moment of silence, wreath-laying, or the reading of names. 

Attending a ceremony with your loved ones is a powerful way to show gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a respectful and accessible event that welcomes individuals of all ages to reflect on and honor our brave men and women.

Enjoy a Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day parades are a festive way to celebrate the holiday weekend while honoring our nation's heroes. These parades often feature marching bands, local veterans' organizations, military vehicles, and community groups. Children enjoy watching the vibrant floats and catching candy tossed from parade participants, while adults appreciate the tribute to the US military. 

Attending a parade is a fun and accessible way to bring the whole family together in celebration. Many cities and towns host these free events, creating a sense of unity and pride. Be sure to wear your red, white, and blue and wave the American flag proudly.

Host a Backyard BBQ

A backyard BBQ is a classic and beloved way to celebrate Memorial Day. It’s a time to gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and enjoy some delicious food. Grilled burgers, hot dogs, and fresh sides make the perfect meal to kick off the summer season. Add games like cornhole or water balloons to keep kids entertained. 

Don’t forget to decorate with American flag-themed items to show your patriotic spirit. Hosting a BBQ is an easy and fun activity that brings people together. It also gives you a chance to relax and make memories during the long weekend.

Visit a National Park

Visiting a national park during Memorial Day weekend is a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of the country. Many parks offer free events, ranger-led programs, or historical tours that highlight the importance of the land and its connection to our nation's history. 

Whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or simply exploring the outdoors, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy the holiday. National parks are accessible to families and individuals alike, with trails and amenities that suit all levels of ability. Spending time in nature is a meaningful and peaceful way to reflect on the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers.

Create Patriotic Crafts with the Whole Family

Crafting together is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Memorial Day. One idea is to make red, white, and blue decorations, like paper lanterns or banners, to display around your home. You can also create poppy pins using red tissue paper and black buttons to honor fallen soldiers. 

These crafts are simple and suitable for all ages, making them perfect for family bonding. As you work on these projects, take the opportunity to discuss the significance of Memorial Day with your children. This activity not only sparks creativity but also instills a sense of patriotism and remembrance in young minds.

Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

Memorial Day is an excellent time to support those who have served our country by shopping at veteran-owned businesses. Whether you're looking for a place to eat, shop, or get services, many veteran-owned establishments offer quality products and services. 

By choosing to spend your money at these businesses, you contribute to the livelihoods of veterans and their families. It's a simple yet impactful way to show appreciation for their service. Additionally, some of these businesses may offer Memorial Day specials or events, providing even more reasons to support them during the holiday weekend.

Volunteer or Donate to Honor Veterans

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. One meaningful way to show appreciation is by volunteering or donating to organizations that support veterans and their families. 

Many communities have local groups that organize events or provide services for veterans, such as cleaning up memorial sites, placing flags on graves, or hosting appreciation dinners. Participating in these activities can be a rewarding experience for individuals and families alike. 

Consider donating to national organizations that offer assistance to veterans, such as providing housing, healthcare, or job training. Even small contributions can make a significant impact. By giving your time or resources, you help ensure that the sacrifices made by our service members are recognized and honored not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year.

Watch the National Memorial Day Concert

The National Memorial Day Concert, broadcast by PBS, is a heartfelt way to observe the holiday from the comfort of your home. Featuring musical performances, tributes to fallen soldiers, and appearances by veterans and military families, it connects viewers across the country. 

Held annually in Washington DC, this in-person and televised event honors the memory of those who served with dignity and grace. Watching the concert with your family adds meaning to the holiday and offers a shared moment of reflection. It’s a thoughtful and accessible way to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the US military.

Chef Marco’s Memorial Day BBQ Sauce

No Memorial Day is complete without a BBQ and no BBQ is complete without the sauce. Try Chef Marco Niccoli's recipe below. It will be the talk of the party! Trust us, it’s tasty. 

Ingredients

1 ½ cup apple juice
5 cups ketchup
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
1 bottle dark beer
5 Tbsp brown sugar
5 Tbsp local honey
½ Tbsp granulated garlic
½ Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp yellow mustard

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to WildSide+ jar and secure lid.
2. Run on "Soup" or "Hot" or "90" cycle twice or blend on a High speed for 180 seconds until warm.
3. When all the ingredients are fully pureed, warm and smooth, store in a mason jar. Refrigerate for 2 hours before using. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: I love being able to do as many things ahead of time. And this is the perfect recipe to do in advance. It also tastes better as it sits.

Celebrate Memorial Day with Blendtec

Memorial Day is a time to honor our heroes, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the simple joys of the season. Whether you're hosting a BBQ, watching a concert, or crafting with your kids, having the right tools in your kitchen can make the day even better. Blendtec blenders are designed to handle everything from sauces to smoothies with ease, helping you prep fast and enjoy more. As you plan your Memorial Day weekend activities, make sure your Blendtec is ready to kick off the summer season with you. Shop now and blend better all summer long.

Sources: 

Time Magazine: Why do we Celebrate Memorial Day?

Huffington Post: 50 Ways to Honor the True Meaning of Memorial Day