Not only the unofficial start of Summer, Memorial Day, is a U.S. federal holiday observed every year on the last Monday of May. It was established to remember those who died while serving our country's armed forces. It began as Decoration Day after the Civil War when the nation decorated the graves of those who died in the war with flowers. That tradition was eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in military service, and it continues today.
There are simple and FREE ways to honor Memorial Day with your children here in Houston. To start, here are 7 ideas:
🇺🇸 1. Attend a Memorial Day event
Many parades, ceremonies, and other observances are held throughout the nation to mark this special day. Here in Houston, the following events are family-friendly:
Saturday May 25th
Memorial Walk at Memorial Park 7575 North Picnic Lane, 7am- 12pm
Meet at Clay Family Eastern Glades to sign the name of your lost loved one on the Memorial Banner and receive a flag to take with you along the Seymour Lieberman Trail. More information HERE
Monday May 27th
The Memorial Day 10K and 5K St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr. beginning at 7:30am
Honoring the men and women who have given their lives serving in the U.S. Military. Taking place at
There's still time to register for the Kids and Family Walk portion of this event. Click HERE to sign up for $30.
Memorial Day Celebration Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 3816 Caroline, 10am-4pm
Enjoy access to all our exhibits (including our NEW Blue Helmets display), a special Living History Program, plus special resources for veterans and their families. Join us for an Artifact Talk at 11 AM with BSNM’s Archivist Jason Fung, who will explore the theme of emancipation through artifacts.
RSVP in advance to receive FREE admission for the whole family!
Memorial Day Ceremony Bear Creek Pioneers' Park, 3535 War Memorial St, 2-3pm
Come together to honor the memory of all the courageous men and women who served our country and express our deepest gratitude for their service.
Additional information can be found HERE
Worth the drive from the city are these Memorial weekend celebrations:
The Woodlands Festival, Town Green Park
Featuring live music, children's activities, strolling entertainment and more at Town Green Park. The evening concludes with a dazzling fireworks display choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack on Sunday May 26th.
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Memorial Day Music Fest, Lagoonfest Texas, Lago Mar
2 days filled with live music, delicious food and drinks and fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration to kick off summer right taking place this weekend on Sunday May 26th - Monday May 27th!
🇺🇸 2. Organize a neighborhood parade
Get the kids to decorate their bikes and trikes or use red, white, and blue decorations to adorn wagons and strollers to parade around your neighborhood with friends.
🇺🇸 3. Observe the National Moment of Remembrance
In May 2000, Congress proclaimed that on Memorial Day at 3 p.m., Americans should observe one minute of silence to reflect and remember those who died in military service to the U.S. The National Moment of Remembrance became Public Law in December of that year.
🇺🇸 4. Fly the American flag
On Memorial Day, the flag should first be raised to the top of the staff, then slowly lowered to half-staff, until noon, when it should be raised to the top of the staff for the rest of the day.
 Suzanne Walker | Pexels via Canva |
🇺🇸 5. Visit a historical site or cemetery
Tour a historic battlefield or a soldiers' memorial for a personal look at the sacrifices made by our servicemen. Decorate the graves of soldiers with flags or flowers.
For example, the The Fallen Warriors Memorial honors Texans who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan while defending our country and our freedom.
There's also the Houston's Vietnam Fallen Warrior Monument dedicated to our fallen comrades from Harris, Waller, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Liberty, and Galveston Counties that were killed in action during the Vietnam War.
🇺🇸 6. Talk to a veteran
Take the kids to hear the story of a serviceman or servicewoman and encourage them to ask questions to better understand the sacrifices military members make. As a sign of thanks, bring cookies, flowers, or a handmade note.
🇺🇸 7. Make a patriotic craft or recipe
Make this cute Beaded American Flag Pin or these yummy Patriotic Parfaits.
Honoring Memorial Day can be as simple as taking some time out of the day to remember the true meaning of this important day and showing respect to those who have given their lives in service to the country. You can also teach your children about our country's rich history, the importance of freedom, and the sacrifices that have been made to make the USA what it is today.
