MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2025

Creating New Memories While Honoring Traditions

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Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer across America. While this holiday has deep patriotic roots, it has also evolved into a cherished time for family gatherings, beach outings, and backyard celebrations. As we approach the 2025 holiday weekend, let’s explore how to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day while also making the most of this extended weekend with loved ones. We have several ideas for you!

The Heart of Memorial Day: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes

Before diving into vacation plans and barbecue preparations, it’s important to remember why Memorial Day exists. Established after the Civil War and formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Traditional Ways to Observe Memorial Day

Attend a Memorial Day Parade:
Communities across the country host parades featuring veterans, military units, and marching bands. Check your local listings for parade times.
Visit a Veterans Cemetery:
Place flags or flowers on the graves of fallen service members to honor their sacrifice.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance:
Pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
Fly the Flag at Half-Staff:
The American flag should be flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff.
Wear or Display a Red Poppy:
Inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” red poppies symbolize remembrance.

Celebrate with Events, Live Music, Family Fun, & More!

Memorial Day Popular Celebrations

Premium American Flag Set:
A high-quality American flag is a meaningful purchase for Memorial Day. Look for an all-weather nylon flag with embroidered stars, a sturdy pole, and solar spotlight.
Memorial Wreath:
Choose a top-rated 24 inch wreath with silk flowers in patriotic colors and a respectful banner.
Patriotic Bunting:
Classic pleated bunting with reinforced grommets and weather-resistant fabric remains a favorite decoration.
Military History Collection::
Photo history books that honor military heritage make excellent gifts and coffee table additions.
Sun, Sand, and Surf:
The Ultimate Palm Beach County Beach Guide.

Top Palm Beach County Beaches Worth Visiting

After honoring Memorial Day traditions, head to the beach for relaxation. Palm Beach County offers some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the country.

Boca Raton Memorial Day Events:
Community ceremony with guest speakers and officials on Monday, May 26, 2025 from 9:00-10:00 am at Boca Raton Cemetery, 451 SW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL. More Info
Boca Raton Memorial Day Concert:
The city will host a free concert at Mizner Park Amphitheater on Monday, May 26, from 7-9 p.m. featuring a performance by The American Sirens, dazzling vocals inspired by the flapper era and the golden age of Hollywood. More Info
Delray Beach Craft Festival:
Crafts show will be on Sunday-Monday, May 25-26, 2025 at Delray Beach Tennis Center from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm both days. More Info
Delray Beach Memorial Day Ceremony:
Ceremony honoring fallen service men will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Memorial Gardens, 901 SW 10th Street, Delray Beach, FL. More Info
Palm Beach Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony:
Wreath ceremony with honor guard presentation on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 am at Veterans Plaza Amphitheater, 10500 N Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. More Info
Royal Palm Beach Memorial Day Ceremony:
Ceremony with 21-gun salute and speakers will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 9:00 am at Veterans Park Amphitheater, 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. More Info
Memorial Day Weekend Music Celebration:
Music Celebration will be on May 22-26, 2025 at 4:00-7:00 pm at the Wellington Amphitheater. More Info
Wellington Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony:
Parade starts from Village Hall at 8:15 am with the ceremony at 8:30 am at the Veterans’ Memorial on Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL. More Info
E.R. Bradley’s Saloon Memorial Weekend:
Live Music, BBQ, drink specials on May 25-27, 2025 from at 104 S Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL. More Info
$50K Hole-In-One Challenge at PGA National:
Features golf, BBQ, & live music on May 26,2025 at 5:00 pm at PGA National, 450 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL. More Info

Explore Educational & Wildlife Attractions:

Flagler Museum – Gilded Age mansion & museum
Palm Beach Zoo – Animal exhibits & activities
Cox Science Center & Aquarium – Hands-on learning for kids
Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Sea turtle conservation
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary – Native Florida animals & tours

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park: Ideal for nature lovers, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Delray Beach: Downtown shopping and dining right next to the beach.
Lake Worth Beach: Features a pier, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities.
Juno Beach Pier: Less crowded, dog-friendly, and a sea turtle nesting site, great fishing on the pier.
Jupiter Blowing Rocks Preserve: This peaceful, barrier island sanctuary is a well-known model for large-scale, native coastal habitat restoration by the Nature Conservatory.
Jupiter Carlin Park: Offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Palm Beach Municipal Beach: Clear water and a scenic shoreline with fewer crowds.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum: Operated by the nonprofit Loxahatchee River Historical Society, the waterfront lighthouse, and grounds exhibits feature over 5,000 years of regional history.

Essential Beach Gear for Memorial Day Weekend

Premium Beach Cart: Makes hitting the beach with all of the essentials easy and fun! A good beach cart has wide wheels to travel on soft sand, spacious storage, room for a cooler, is strong, and folds flat for easy transport or storage.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Bundle: Includes SPF 70 lotion, Broad Spectrum, Antioxidant Vitamin E with HELIOPLEX.
Comfortable Beach Chair: Comfort and convenience of cup holders for a day at the beach.
Tommy Bahama Beach Chair: Patriotic beach chair with style and comfort. Features backpack style straps for easy carrying, five reclining positions, an insulated pouch, a phone holder, and pillow headrest.
Beach Umbrella Clip on design, fast, easy setup, adjustable, UV Sun Protection anywhere.
Sport-brella
Versatile Sport-brella SPF50+ protection. Light, portable.

Stay Hydrated

Favorite Water Bottle:
Keep your beverage of choice cold on a hot day, 21 color choices, insulated, stainless steel.
Another Favorite Bottle:
40 oz. Keep your beverage of choice cold on a hot day, 21 color choices, insulated, stainless steel, handle, flip straw.

Fun in the Water

Panoramic Snorkel Mask Set:
180-degree view, anti-fog lens, breathe easy, adjustable strap. Can get adult or kids.
Amphibious Water Shoes:
Men’s/Women’s quick-drying, grippy soles, great for land, sea, or pool. Fast drying material, lightweight comfort.
Hammock Pool Floats:
2 Pack; Comfortable with buoyant pillows that provide a soft, supportive rest, enhancing your relaxation while enjoying the water.
Beach Pool Balls:
12 Pack; Rainbow colored beachball pool water games, great for kids’ birthday parties.
Fishing Rod Reel Combo:
Fishing rod kit with line, lures, extra spool, and travel case for saltwater or freshwater fishing.
Waterproof Phone Case:
Keep your phone dry and protected in a waterproof case. This case maintains touchscreen use down to 100 feet, includes wristband, lanyard, and choice of colors.

Backyard Gatherings for the Best Memorial Weekend

Set Up Your Backyard for Success

Small Tabletop Fire Pit With Smores Kit: Create atmosphere indoor or outdoor with this mini solid steel base and tempered glass panes firepit. Comes with bamboo serving board, extendable roasting sticks, cheese forks and knife.
36″ Fire Pit with 2 Grills Wood outdoor burning fire pit with lid, poker and waterproof cover for patio, picnics, and parties.
Outdoor LED String Lights: Commercial grade weatherproof edison-style LEDs, dimmable, and shatterproof for safety.
Party Decorations and Supplies: Flags, banners, table decorations, tablecloths, red, white, and blue.
Outdoor Patio, Table, Yard Umbrella:
Patio, Table, and Yard Umbrella with 8 sturdy ribs, push button tilt and crank

Elevate Your Grilling

Classic Premium Grill
Convective 3-burner with side burner propane gas stainless steel. Grill
Premium Grilling Tool Set:
Heavy duty stainless steel 21 Piece BBQ grill tools set for outdoors with aluminum carry case plus apron.
Cedar Grilling Planks:
12 Pack western red cedar (Thuja Plicata) planks for grilling salmon and more, sourced, and made in USA.
Smart Bluetooth Grill Thermometer:
Smart wireless meat food thermometer with 3 ultra-thin probes, unlimited range, digital for remote monitoring of grill or oven.

Backyard Games and Entertainment

Spikeball Round Net Game Set:
Outdoor Game for Adults & Kids: This game comes with 3 Spikeball balls, a Spikeball set, a drawstring bag, and a rulebook; can be played on any surface, whether it’s grass, sand, or indoors/outdoors.
Tournament Grade Cornhole Set: Solid wood vintage cornhole game set, two 4’x2′ cornhole boards, 8 cornhole bags for indoor and outdoor toss games, competitions, tournaments.
Portable Badminton Volleyball Combo: INCLUDES: All weather net, 4 tempered steel rackets, 2 A-grade shuttlecocks, volleyball, pump, case.
Premium Horseshoe Set: Includes 4 professional solid steel horseshoes with solid steel stakes & carrying bag. Perfect for backyard, park, or beach.

Create Memorable Experiences

Photo Opportunities:
Use patriotic backdrops and instant or waterproof cameras for souvenirs.
Activity Stations for Children:
Crafts, face painting, and water play help keep kids entertained.
Comfort Considerations:
Provide misting fans, sunscreen stations, and throw blankets for guests’ comfort.

Memorial Day Weekend Planning Timeline

One Week Before

Send final invitations and confirm guest count
Order specialty foods and plan your menu
Check the weather and prepare backup plans

Three Days Before

Prep food that can be made ahead
Clean and prep outdoor spaces
Test grills, lighting, and music equipment

Day Before

Shop for groceries and finalize food prep
Set up decorations and activities
Pack coolers and prepare beach or travel gear

Morning of Memorial Day

Attend or observe memorial services
Set out perishable items and greet guests
Start your celebration with remembrance

Honoring the True Spirit of Memorial Day

Final Thoughts: As we enjoy beaches, barbecues, and games, let’s remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. Whether through formal events or quiet reflection, Memorial Day is a time for honoring, remembering, and celebrating the values we cherish.

The best Memorial Day weekends blend commemoration with connection—creating traditions, stories, and memories across generations.

From solemn morning ceremonies to evening festivities, however you spend the holiday, include remembrance, relaxation, and joy to make the most of this meaningful time.

What Memorial Day traditions does your family observe?

Please share in the comments one of your favorite activities on Memorial Day.

One of our favorite traditions was to start our season of water skiing during this weekend, jumping the waves, picnicking in the boat, relaxing/floating in the water, jumping in and swimming off the dock, fishing, visiting with some of our favorite family members. ❤️