Are you a bit virtual-ed out? With prom, school, birthdays, graduation, all being moved to a virtual platform, what are your thoughts? With COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, social distancing rules, and safety measures requiring wearing masks, life as we know it has gone out the window. With Memorial Day just around the corner, it leaves us wondering how we will or will not celebrate this federal holiday in a few weeks. As many of you may know, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May which happens to be May 25th, this year. It’s a day that we honor the men and women that have died while serving in the U.S. Military, and a day that has deep historical roots as it was originally known as Decoration Day following the Civil War. For Americans, it’s been a holiday where friends and families gather, connect, and share conversations. However this year many are preparing to virtually celebrate Memorial Day.
Like every event that has been missed or broadcasted virtually since COVID-19, this year’s Memorial Day celebrations will be no different. Many parades, ceremonies, and events surrounding Memorial Day have been cancelled or now happening virtually. Of course, you still have the option of barbecuing with friends via Zoom, but if you’re looking for other ways to honor our fallen heroes, here are five events that may pique your interest:
National D-Day Memorial Event – While the memorial itself is closed to the public, there will be a Memorial Day Virtual Event on May 25th from 11 am to 12 pm. The event will be free.
Memorial Day Online Commemoration – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will be holding a live webcast honoring members of the armed forces who have fallen in Vietnam and in all conflicts. You can join online at 1pm on May 25th.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum Virtual Run & Walk – Your whole family can participate in this special 1 mile, 5K, and 10K run and walk. Get some fresh air and honor the men and women who’ve lost their lives protecting our country. You can choose the 1 mile or 5K run and walk to honor a lost loved one. If you want to go the extra mile and then some, with the 10k run and walk, you can honor those that have fallen in all 6 branches of the military. Participation fees are $35 for adults and $25 for youth.
Rolling to Remember Demonstration Ride – Due to COVID-19, AMVETS is not having their annual demonstration ride in D.C., however, they are asking riders to ride 22 miles on Sunday, May 24th. The ride is bringing awareness to an average 20-22 veteran suicides that occur daily. If you would like to participate, please go to the AMVETS website for more information.
Regardless if you choose to Virtually Celebrate Memorial Day or find your own safe and responsible way to celebrate with others, we implore you to keep in mind the meaning of the day and the lives that have been given to support this great nation.
