For some, Memorial Day is the official start to summer. For others, it’s a day to honor loved ones who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country. For all of us, it’s going to look a lot different this year.
With parades and major events cancelled, here are some ideas on how you can still celebrate Memorial Day.
Enjoy some California sunshine
Get outside. With parks, trails, and beaches reopening, now is a great time to enjoy the beautiful California weather. Keep your risk low by maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, avoid touching your face, and washing/disinfecting your hands regularly. Take some cannabis products with you to up the relaxation levels.
Family and Friends Video Conferences
Get together with family and loved ones via video chat. If you’re part of a Gold Star family or are close to someone who is, it’s a great day to honor and share stories about those who have been lost. For some, this day can be extra challenging so show your support and reach out.
Get a history lesson with National D-Day Memorial
The National D-Day Memorial is offering free classes on WWII for anyone interested. It’s a great addition to any homeschooling curriculum or for anyone who wants to learn more about such a pivotal time in this country’s history.
Watch Memorial Day Programming from the comfort of your home
Parades and concerts have been canceled but there are still some great entertainment options around Memorial Day. Here is a roundup of some:
The traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol has been cancelled due to COVID-19 but a special 90-minute presentation of the National Memorial Day Concert, will air on PBS Sunday, May 24, 2020, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. E.T., as well as on the American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on Facebook, YouTube, their website and available as Video on Demand, May 24 to June 7, 2020.
The 2020 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. has been canceled due to social distancing but will be replaced by a pre-recorded television special, “The National Memorial Day Parade: America Stands Tall” airing on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations nationwide.
TAPS Virtual National Military Survivor Seminar and Family Program
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) will be presenting a virtual National Military Survivor Seminar and Family Program available to anyone interested for free. The virtual event will include sessions, care groups, informational seminars, family programming, opportunities to memorialize our loved ones and special celebrity appearances. Register online here. (https://www.tapsconnected.org/events/EventStart.aspx?eID=298)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will host an online commemoration on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 1 pm to 2 pm Eastern which can be viewed on their website. Virtual attendees can access the commemoration here. (https://www.vvmf.org/alwaysremember/)
Do you want to honor someone but not sure how this year? Here are some really amazing virtual ways to do so.
Get outside, get some exercise and honor the memories of lost ones with wear blue: run to remember
In partnership with Team RWB, wear blue: run to remember will host a VIRTUAL remembrance run with the goal of honoring all 7,029 service members, who have died since 9/11.
We can help wear blue: run to remember honor those we’ve lost by learning their stories, speaking their names, and honoring their legacies.
The virtual run means anyone can participate from wherever they live. You can run in a park, a local trail, or just around your neighborhood. All are welcome to register and anyone who does will be given the name and story of a fallen hero and instructions for printing a bib or are welcome to honor someone on their own.
Add someone to the American Legion Virtual Ceremony
The American Legion will be commemorating Memorial Day virtually by asking people to share the names of those they are personally honoring and remembering. The Legion will compile the list and share it via social media over the Memorial Day weekend. To participate, send in the information requested online.
Some other ideas for simple ways to be involved in this special day:
- Visit cemeteries and memorials.
- Volunteer to place an American Flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
- Observe a minute of silence at 3:00 PM, local time.
- Donate to veterans and military support groups.
- Wear Blue.
We’ll be open all weekend and on Memorial Day. All service members receive discounts on products. We’ll also be running special deals all weekend long. Please ask your budtender for more information and sign up for our daily deals text messages here. (https://enrollnow.vip/join/2744)
