Memorial Day is the unofficial summer kickoff – a three-day weekend for BBQs, pool parties, cold drinks, and good food. But let’s not forget the meaning of Memorial Day, a day to remember the heroes who have given their lives for our country. Make sure to read all the way to the end for your chance to make this an extra-memorable weekend.
Events in the Valley
The Valley offers a number of Memorial Day events where you can pay your respects to military members. Here are a few.
The University of Phoenix Office of Military and Veteran Affairs will hold their 13th Annual Memorial Day Flag Tribute at their Riverpoint campus in Phoenix on Tuesday, May 24. More than 10,000 flags will be planted to spell out “Because of the Brave”.
As visitors enter the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Monday morning, Riders USA will be waiting along the flag-lined Cave Creek Road to salute them, showing them that their loved ones buried at the cemetery are not forgotten.
Photo courtesy of www.ridersusa.net
In honor of the fallen, Task Force Archangel is hosting a Memorial Day hike at Thunderbird Mountain.
Photo courtesy of www.eventbrite.com
Paint your own Freedom Flag at Craft Nights in Phoenix on Saturday, May 28. No artistic ability is necessary. Instructors will guide you every step of the way.
Veterans eat for free at this Memorial Day BBQ hosted by the Scottsdale Elks #2148.
Photo courtesy of www.elks.org
Party Planning Tips
Nothing says Memorial Day quite like a backyard barbecue. It’s the perfect day to welcome summer with friends and family. Use these ideas to throw a fun, patriotic party.
With nature as your backdrop, you don’t need much to decorate for an outdoor party, but red, white, and blue decorations are a must. A few miniature flags and American-themed plates and napkins will make your party festive. You can also create your own inexpensive decor, like red, white, and blue lollipop centerpieces. Check Pinterest for more ideas!
Photo courtesy of www.fruitbouquets.com
Traditional American barbecue favorites are the perfect foods to serve at your Memorial Day barbecue - and they're easy too! Burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and chips are common, and you should add in your own traditions and favorites. To make your job even easier, make it a potluck. Not only will it be more budget-friendly, but it also ensures that guests have their favorite BBQ foods on hand.
Last but not least, you should keep your guests entertained. Backyard games like cornhole, ladder toss, or ring toss are fun for all ages. Giant lawn games like Jenga and inflatable bowling add a fun twist to traditional games. If you have a pool, you already have built-in entertainment, but you can add some pool games like water volleyball or play Marco Polo.
Other Ways To Celebrate
Photo courtesy of www.azcentral.com
If you’d rather enjoy Memorial Day away from home, go enjoy some of the local attractions. Hit up the Phoenix Zoo in the morning, go tubing on the Salt River, or visit a waterpark like Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. In celebration of summer, grab a scoop of ice cream on the way home.
Photo courtesy of www.aaa.com
There are so many ways to celebrate Memorial Day in the Valley. From tributes to barbeques to waterparks, you will have no trouble making this Memorial Day one to remember.
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