The long Memorial Day Holiday Weekend is upon us yet again! However, unlike other years, this one is going to look slightly different due to the social distancing measures in place. But this does not mean that we can’t take time out to recognize the brave troops who have served our country.

Many traditional events and services have gone virtual. This means we can still recognize the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces.

Events

New York City’s Fleet Week

If you have never had the opportunity to check out New York City’s Fleet Week for whatever reason, here’s your chance! The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are proud to present Virtual Fleet Week New York 2020 from May 20-26. It will be hosted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This is the first time this event has gone virtual. It will include live Q&As, video tours, performances, presentations and much more.

For up-to-date information on all FWNY events, “Like” FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, and “Follow” @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter and Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc. Join the conversation on social media by using #VirtualFleetWeekNYC.

Intrepid

The Intrepid Museum will present its annual Memorial Day Commemoration on Monday, May 25^th at 2PM through a virtual ceremony. The public is invited to join the Museum in honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Parade of Heroes

Under normal circumstances, many of us would gather on Memorial Day for processions which honor the country’s fallen heroes and to ring in the unofficial beginning of Summer. These events are now going virtual to adhere with social distancing guidelines. This virtual gathering on TheAncestry Facebook page and YouTube channel on Monday, May 25^that 11AM is hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford. It will feature performances from the singer-songwriter Tori Kelly, the Lincoln Way Marching Band and Acapop! KIDS, a group of young cappella performers. LL Cool J, Rob Lowe and Mario Lopez will also participate.

Dishes

With the unofficial start to Summer here at last, let’s get cooking to prepare some classic red, white and blue-themed holiday dishes. However, remember to take into account everyone’s fan favorites. The kids will go for burgers or hot dogs on a bun. Adults might crave chicken or a pasta dish. Don’t forget the desserts!

For us, we have chosen for our menu this year Grilled Corn on the Cob, Creamy Potato Salad and a Tossed Salad as our starters. As main course offerings, we are planning on taking out the backyard grill to make Grilled Hot Dogs, Glazed Bacon Cheese Burgers and  Glazed Country Ribs. Now comes the moment in which we all have been waiting for! Here comes the Instagram-worthy desserts…Red, White and Blue Cookie Bars and Red, White and Blue Confetti Cupcakes. If you have a sweet tooth, you just might want to skip right to the desserts first!

DIY Decor Projects

Then, it’s time to come up with a list of fun DIY craft projects in which you can make and then use to décor your home. Here are our picks:

First off, a DIY youtube video by “The Latina Next Door”. In this video she shares her Memorial Day Porch makeover along with her patriotic wreath tutorial made from Dollar Tree items.

Whiskey & Whit has a youtube video for DIY Memorial Day Décor from Dollar Tree items. Within this video she’ll show you how to make patriotic vases, pillow cases and flags which you can use as home décor.

Here’s one for kids to make and have fun with. On this “Easy Patriotic Crafts for Kids youtube video is a tutorial on how to make patriotic pinwheels.

If you are in the US, how do you celebrate Memorial Day? What are your family’s favorite dishes to serve over this holiday weekend? Let us know by dropping us a line in the Comments section.