When Memorial Day comes back onto the calendar, a few staples come to mind for many Americans: donning yacht-rock red white and blue, throwing some brats on the grill, watching a baseball game, or even hitting the water if weather allows. Unfortunately, what doesn’t always come to mind is remembering and honoring the purpose of the day: fallen Americans who served our country. This weekend, as you fire up the charcoal and enjoy the (limited) sunshine in Milwaukee: pause, reflect, and make some time for remembrance.
Educate & Honor
Milwaukee’s War Memorial Center is always open, free, and has loads of information, exhibits, and artwork to admire. Pay them a visit this weekend.
While you’re there, take a walk through Veteran’s Park, where volunteers are placing 27,000 flags in remembrance. You can even keep walking and watch the beautiful kites fill the sky with color at the IKEA Kite Festival.
If you’re up for a drive, Menomonee Falls Memorial Day Parade is on Monday, following a weekend of events. If not, closer to home is the Veterans Monument and Memorial Garden at Armory Park in Whitefish Bay is hosting a Memorial Day Ceremony in honor of the fallen.
Photo of Andy Weins Owner of Camo Crew at a Memorial Day Festival.
Photo from Pastiche Facebook Page of Michael Engel Owner of Pastiche Bistro
Serve Your Community
Honoring and remembering can easily be turned into action. Donate to veteran charities either monetarily or donate your time through volunteering. There’s also community projects to be a part of, such as organizing food drives, blood donations, park or river clean-ups, and even a clothing swap can build community. Supporting veteran-owned organizations is one of the biggest ways to build community. Here is a list of some veteran-owned chamber members:
- Camo Crew
- Data IFS
- AJ Development Group
- Pastiche Bistro
- Gramoll & Associates American Family Insurance
Photo of Jen Gollnick (Owner) of Data IFS
Photo of Mandi Gramoll Lococo (Owner) of Gramolll & Associates
Gather with Intention
The barbecue does not have to stop altogether, but there can always be some education and shared stories to be added onto the festivities. Sharing family military stories, sharing a moment of silence, toasting to the fallen, and teaching young ones the meaning of Memorial Day are all things that one can do for free as the meat cooks.
This year, in the evolving age of mindfulness, be mindful and honor those who died in service. Some say all this started to honor those who served by simply celebrating the freedom we do have as Americans. Memorial Day doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. But taking even a few intentional moments to reflect, learn, serve, or remember can help ensure the meaning of the holiday isn’t lost in the long weekend.
*Disclaimer – this is a holiday honoring those who died in service. Wishing active military members and veterans a “happy” Memorial Day is not recommended.
Veteran Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 + press 1
