Remember the Brave With Memorial Day Events

     Memorial Day is the last Monday of May each year and is the official start of the summer season. Memorial Day events usually consist of barbecues and picnics as this is a family celebration day. There are special events that take place in cities across the United States to honor this day of remembrance, a day where those who have fallen in defense of the nation are honored.

Washington, DC

     Memorial events that take place throughout Washington DC are more somber as they include a visit to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is not so much a day for partying in Washington, DC, but one of reflection. There is a special presentation at the Lincoln Memorial on this day. Flags are often distributed to the population on this day and put in cemeteries.

New York City Events

     Memorial Day in New York City is the start of the summer in Central Park. Central Park is open all year long, but this is the weekend when it really comes alive after a winter of hibernating. The Central Park Memorial Day fest is one of the biggest events for this city and features foods from restaurants located throughout the city, all in the park. This event takes place the week leading up to Memorial Day and ends the day after Memorial Day. Anyone who wants to taste the different foods of the New York restaurants can do so when visiting Central Park for the fest.

San Francisco Memorial Weekend Events

     The weather in San Francisco is mild most of the year and events take place throughout the city to start the summer season off. The Art Festival is one of the biggest Memorial Day events in this city and features art of all types being shown on streets and in galleries. Art critics converge on San Francisco each Memorial weekend to enjoy the art and perhaps discover new art talent. The art show each year in San Francisco is open to anyone, but artists must register to display their work ahead of time with the Chamber of Commerce.

Chicago Remembrance Events

     Fireworks off of Navy Pier signify the start of the Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. In addition to the fireworks that hail the unofficial start of summer in Chicago, Grant Park is alive with music. The Annual Blues Fest is one of the events that take place each year in the city of Chicago. Both Navy Pier and Grant Park come alive for this day, with fireworks and music celebrations. The traditional turning on of Buckingham Fountain also takes place on Memorial Day each year.

     Memorial Day is a day for remembrance and is a national holiday in the United States. The weekend that leads up to the holiday is considered the first weekend of the summer season, with the close of the summer season being the weekend of Labor Day. Although officially summer does not start for another month later, this day is the unofficial start while Memorial weekend events set off the first of many summer festivals and events in cities across the United States.