When you think of Memorial Day, you probably think of getting a day off, or that summer is just around the corner, or what you will be barbecuing on the grill. While you should enjoy time with your family, Memorial Day is a time to honor those that gave their lives for us to enjoy our freedom — the freedom to even get to be with our family.
Coming from a military family, I always strive to teach my kids the importance of being grateful and showing honor. With the help of short videos on YouTube, I’ve told them stories of people bravely serving and sacrificing for us.
>> RELATED READ :: What to Remember This Memorial Day <<
They are at an age now where they understand the significance of this holiday and can sit through a short ceremony, so I gathered some ideas on how to show honor and respect this Memorial Day.
This Memorial Day, consider visiting a local veteran cemetery to lay wreathes, joining solemn ceremonies, or visiting a war memorial such as the one in Plano. Take time to reflect with your kids on what freedom means to you, and what it means to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for that freedom.
>> LISTEN :: What to do with Military-Focused Holidays :: Episode 87 :: Momfessions Podcast <<
Consider attending one of these Memorial Day ceremonies happening throughout the metroplex.
May 24
Allen Memorial Day Concert :: Onstage at Allen Public Library presents a Memorial Day concert with New Horizons Band and a solemn presentation of colors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2196 on Friday at 2:30 p.m. Free to the public.
May 25
McKinney Memorial Day Ceremony :: The McKinney Armed Services Memorial Board will induct new names on the Wall of Honor in McKinney, and hold a wreath-laying ceremony by Gold Star Families — families of a military member who has died in the line of duty. Join the celebration for free at 10:00 a.m.
>> RELATED READ :: 5 Easy Fourth of July Crafts Perfect for the Long Weekend <<
May 25 – 27
Memorial Day Family Fun Weekend :: The Dallas Arboretum has packed its schedule with petting zoos, cooking demos, discovery labs, story times, and more for families all weekend long from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Active military members, first responders, and veterans receive free admission on Monday, May 27. Kids can practice their salute as they thank and honor veterans for their service all around the park.
May 26 – 27
Dallas Memorial March :: Carry the Load Memorial March on the Katy Trail in Dallas is a two-day event. The celebration kicks off at Reverchon Park on Sunday at noon with live music and food trucks staying well into the evening.
Join the march that afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Kids can make the two-mile loop around Dallas before it continues its trek up and down the Katy Trail through the night.
It’s free to participate, and there is a kid’s zone both days. The march and celebration continues Monday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and ends at the Katy Trail Ice House with a storyboard procession of fallen heroes.
May 27
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery :: Attend a formal ceremonial remembrance at the National Cemetery in Dallas on Monday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dallas Symphony in the Park :: Families gather at Flag Pole Hill Park near White Rock Lake in Dallas for a special presentation of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will host special guests U.S. Army Band and U.S. Army Chorus who will play and sing patriotic anthems starting at 8:15 p.m. The concert goes out with a bang during the fireworks finale. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Frisco Memorial Day Observance :: On Monday, the Frisco VFW Post 8273 and Frisco Garden Club will host the annual flag and wreath-laying ceremony at Frisco Commons Park. Get there at 9:00 a.m. sharp for the raising of the colors, and stay to hear the Frisco Band and Frisco Chorale in front of the veterans memorial. Free.
>> RECOMMENDED RESOURCE :: Community Calendar of Local Events <<
Plano’s Sunset at Memorial Park :: End your Memorial weekend at Plano Veterans Memorial Park on Monday from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The ceremony honoring our fallen heroes will feature patriotic music, the reading of the names, presentation of a burial flag, 21-gun salute, and taps at sunset.
Afterwards, leave flowers near the wall, and stroll the park to see veterans’ names, plaques, and statutes honoring Plano residents who died in active service. There is also a creek and nearby children’s park.
