Memorial Day is a federally observed holiday to honor the men and women who have died in service to our country. The holiday is less a happy celebration and more a somber realization of the sacrifices made to preserve freedom for the rest of the country. However, many people choose to remember the lives of those lost in different ways, mainly by participating in patriotic activities with other groups of people. Find out how to have a happy Memorial Day despite the solemn tone of the holiday, and be sure to stop by the nearest Zipps Liquor for any supplies you’ve left off the list.
Primary Activities on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen. You can do many things on Memorial Day, but the most important thing is to remember those who have died in service to our country first.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade
This year, many people will attend patriotic parades to show their support for the United States. Some parades are small and quiet, while others are large and lively. No matter what the parade is like, it’s always a great way to connect with friends and family and show your patriotism.
Unlike Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day is set aside to honor fallen soldiers. It is observed on the first Monday of May. A Memorial Day parade aims to commemorate the dead and educate the public about these events.
The only downside of parades is the adverse reaction to the loud noises by veterans who might suffer from episodes of PTSD. To ensure that you and your family have the best time possible, bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block out startling noises like fireworks or loud waves of screaming and cheering.
Throw a Memorial Day Picnic
No matter where you live in the United States, the likelihood of a picnic or Memorial Day BBQ happening nearby is high to almost inevitable. Food-based gatherings where people share the best of what they have to offer are a time-honored tradition to recognize and show gratitude for the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
Some of the most popular dishes at a Memorial Day Party are pies, cookies, and hamburgers. Desserts decorated with American flags on top are also popular.
Pay Your Respects
Before heading to the picnic or parade, you can start Memorial Day by enriching the lives of the children in your family. Taking them to a Veteran’s Memorial or the gravesite of someone who has served is a great way to honor your country and the memory of your loved one.
Flags at gravesites on Memorial Day are a long-standing tradition in the United States. The tradition began in 1892 when members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) placed flags at the graves of Union soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.
Secondary Activities on Memorial Day
The celebration of life is indeed one way to honor the memory of those lost. For many people, Memorial Day begins with solemn observation but is also followed by a raucous celebration of those who sacrificed but were spared.
Head to a Pool Party
Memorial Day weekend is also considered the unofficial kickoff of summer. In many places, the weather is temperate enough to open the pools and swimming areas over the long weekend for the summer swimming season. As a result, plenty of festivals and gatherings are held poolside or on a boat to commemorate Memorial Day.
Enjoy Jazz and a Cocktail
Nothing says the beginning of summer and the bittersweet nostalgia of those loved long passed than soft jazz over a misty sunset. Get away from the loud noises and the hustle and bustle of traditional Memorial Day gatherings and sit with your remembrance with a cocktail in hand, and you and your family and friends share stories about those you have lost. Next time, try a few cocktails that will add patriotic flair to your Memorial Day drink menu. Another famous Memorial Day cocktail enjoyed in and around Texas is The Paloma, while Kentuckians prefer to celebrate with a mint julep or an Oaks Lily.
1.) The Army-Navy
Ingredients
2 ounces Texas-made Dripping Springs artisan gin
½ ounce Texas-made Liber and Co. Almond Orgeat Syrup
1-ounce fresh lemon juice
Ice
Directions
Fill shaker with crushed ice
Combine all ingredients
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds
Strain into a chilled lowball glass
2.) The Artillery Antidote
Ingredients
8 ounces of brewed hot black tea
2 ounces of Balcones Texas Rum
½ ounce cinnamon liqueur
1 ounce of heavy whipping cream, whipped
Cinnamon powder for garnish
Directions
Brew 8 ounces of hot black tea
Add 2 ounces of rum to a large mug
Add ½ ounce of cinnamon liquor
Pour hot tea on top of libations
Dollop heavy cream on top
Sprinkle with cinnamon powder
3.) Love and Rockets
Ingredients
6 ounces of dry sparkling wine
2 ounces of cherry juice
1-ounce vodka
3 frozen blueberries
Directions
Freeze a carton of blueberries overnight on a flat cookie sheet
When ready to serve, remove berries from the freezer as needed
Combine 2 ounces of cherry juice and vodka in a chilled champagne flute
Add 6 ounces of sparkling wine
Top with 3 frozen blueberries to serve
Have a Happy Memorial Day
No matter where you are this Memorial Day, make it a primary activity to pay your respects to those who cannot gather around the table, both recent and long passed because they sacrificed everything for you to enjoy the day. May you revel in their memory with a cocktail in hand and family and friends by your side.
While you’re in the Lone Star state, there’s always a Zipps Liquor nearby, so you can check off your party planning list in advance or grab last-minute items on the way. You’ll find a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor at low prices with friendly faces to help you find what you need.
