2020’s Memorial Day celebration, traditionally the official kickoff of summer, is likely to look very different from previous years. Being under a stay-at-home order prompted by COVID-19, many people will have to forgo their beloved patriotic programs, grave decoration, party games at the beach, or poolside barbecues.
Despite the state-wide directives, there are several ways to both honor the men and women who died while serving in the US armed forces and also kick off the summer season. Here are three ways to celebrate while social distancing.
Watch a favorite war movie.
Cue up a great war movie or two on your favorite streaming service, grill up some burgers for an indoor barbecue, pop a huge bowl of popcorn, grab your favorite movie snacks, and cozy up on the couch for some great, historical entertainment.
Need some movie suggestions? Choose the war that’s most interesting to you and settle in for the evening. Want to learn more about World War I? Watch the award-winning 1917 or War Horse. Grab the Kleenex and watch as World War II unfolds around you in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or Schindler’s List.” For even more war movie inspiration, check out this list from IMBD.com.
Make a donation for our troops past and present.
Do you enjoy spending your Memorial Day walking the sacred pathways of your favorite military cemetery? While you might not be able to honor our military veterans that way this year, you can still pay tribute to those brave men and women by making a donation to various military charities.
For instance, you could donate to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Veterans Center, the Gary Sinise Foundation for wounded veterans, or the Fisher House Foundation that supports military families. Want to support our troops currently serving? Send them a care package of $25 gift cards they can use to make phone calls home.
Enjoy a patriotic-themed dance party.
Those patriotic community concerts in the park held every Memorial Day have likely been canceled, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on singing and dancing along to those beloved tunes.
Transform your kitchen into a temporary dancefloor and set up a Memorial Day playlist like this country one featuring hits by Lee Brice, Toby Keith, Big & Rich, Dolly Parton, and more. Missing the dancefloor crowds? Set up a virtual dance party on Zoom.
Even though you might be stuck indoors this Memorial Day, you still can enjoy a wonderful patriotic weekend by hosting a kitchen dance party, holding a war movie marathon, and honoring veterans with a generous donation. Whatever you choose, we wish you and yours a happy Memorial Day!