5 Unique Ways To Celebrate Memorial Day In The Great Outdoors

Memorial Day is a time to reflect and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and honor everything they have sacrificed for the country. Incredible barbecues and parades are held across the country every year, but if you’re looking to celebrate remembrance slightly differently, then we have some unique suggestions for you. Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of the summer months, so it’s also the perfect excuse to get outdoors with your loved ones and kick off the sunny season. With this in mind, we’ve put together 5 meaningful but fun ways to celebrate Memorial Day in the great outdoors this year.

Host A Campfire Remembrance Event

Whether your family live close by or you’re planning to meet up with friends for Memorial Day, why not get together at your favorite campsite to celebrate? There’s nothing quite like the shared experience of camping to bring you closer to your nearest and dearest, and after a group hike or open water swim during the day, you can return to your campsite for a more distinct act of remembrance in the evening. Around the campfire, share stories of the veterans you knew, read letters, listen to music, and, most importantly, just savor spending time with the important people in your life. This Memorial Day activity is a personal and intimate way to honor the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty in the great outdoors.

Build A Nature-Themed Tribute

If you have kids in tow, a great way to teach the importance of Memorial Day is to get together and let creativity run wild in the great outdoors. Challenge the younger members of the family to put together a nature-themed tribute with items they find outdoors, like stones, leaves and shells. This activity encourages respect and creativity, while keeping the kids entertained if you’re outdoors hiking or catching up with the extended family.

Paddle Out Ceremony

If your favourite way to spend time outdoors is to be by the water, you’ll probably like this Memorial Day activity idea a lot. Grab your Red paddleboards and organize a paddle-out with fellow SUP enthusiasts or use the occasion to introduce loved ones to the joys of paddling on the open water. Pick a spot to paddle to and make sure to take a moment to reflect amidst the backdrop of the peaceful waters. Once you’re back on the shore, reflect while enjoying a drink with your fellow paddlers or head back to your campsite for the evening’s activities! 

Watch The Sunrise From A Veteran Memorial Site

Sometimes the simplest celebrations are the most meaningful. If you’d prefer to stay on land but still want to mark Memorial Day in an introspective way, finding a nearby memorial or overlook to watch the sun rise or set is incredibly powerful. You can do so alone or with others as you prefer, and it’s a great way to pay your respects to those who have died in service.

Plant A Memorial Garden

Lastly, if you want to mark Memorial Day this year in a more permanent fashion, you could start a small memorial garden. This is a creative way to remember the fallen whilst enjoying being outdoors, and also allows you to dedicate a certain space to those we remember. Choose red, white and blue flowers and other symbolic plants and continue to tend to them over time for a beautiful natural tribute.

Take Memorial Day out of your backyard this year and get into the great outdoors. Whatever your preference, be it out on the water or in a forest campsite, there are so many amazing ways to celebrate Memorial Day outdoors. If you’d like any advice when it comes to the equipment you need to take with you on your Memorial Day adventures, make sure to get in touch with us.