It’s Memorial Day Weekend, San Diego!
For many, Memorial Day signifies the beginning of Summer, but the history and meaning of this holiday has deep importance to Americans and communities across the country—especially military families. It is an official day to honor and pay respect to the men and women who have died in wars and while serving their country.
If you are looking for ways to teach your children the meaning of Memorial Day or looking for opportunities to observe the holiday, here are some suggestions.
Online Resources:
~ The History Channel has a short video that explains the meaning of Memorial Day and tells a story of the early observances of Memorial Day, customs when it was called Decoration Day, the Evolution of Memorial Day, and Memorial Day traditions.
~ Military.com has a thorough article on how to commemorate Memorial Day with kids. Their list includes activities that teach your children how to recognize our heroes, educate with history, how to visit and pay tribute to veterans, create with crafts, and so much more.
~ For a list of Memorial Day ceremonies across San Diego to honor the men and women who have served, click here.
Local Events:
~ The biggest event in San Diego will be held all weekend long at the USS Midway for Legacy Week. The weekend will include a Kids Adventure Discovery zone, Meet the Aviators, a Veteran’s Wreath Ceremony, and a Freedom concert featuring alt rock band, Lifehouse.
~ The American Heritage Car Show celebrates it’s 20th year on Saturday. Check out all the classic hot rod, vintage, and muscle cars heading down to Escondido’s Grape Park. The free event also features a pancake breakfast, live music, a beer and wine garden, a raffle, and games.
~ Oceanside Ale Works turns 11! On May 27th, one of the few manual brew houses in the USA will hold their 11th Anniversary Party with live music from Kimmi Bitter & The Night Howls, 2 new anniversary beers, and great food.
~ Check out circus performers, a Ferris Wheel, rock climbing, and more at Port Pavilion on Saturday at the adults only Horizon Carnival. Talented local artists and DJs will belt out hits throughout the day at this massive party, featuring more than 50 vendors, food trucks, and games.
~ Did you know that Vista was once the unofficial Strawberry Capital of the World? The annual Vista Strawberry Festival kicks off at 6:45AM on Sunday, May 28th. The festival features a variety of delicious strawberry creations, the Strawberry Run, pie eating contest, live entertainment across multiple stages, bands, and local craft brews in the beer garden. Kids enjoy carnival rides and visitors can browse the wares of 300+ vendors.
~ The Boots 2 Roots 5K Trail Run & Hike will be held on Sunday at Rancho Bernardo Community Park. The event commemorates Memorial Day by bringing awareness to post-traumatic stress disorder, benefiting Warriors Live On and Wave Academy nonprofit foundations.
~ Celebrate our nation’s service members in Balboa Park. The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center will commemorate the holiday with a reading of local monument names, a candlelight vigil, and play reading from a veteran writers group.
