Remembering Memorial Day: Why They Serve and Recipes to Celebrate
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For many, Memorial Day marks the start of summer, which means cookouts, long lazy days, and often the first chance to grill. These delicious and easy Memorial Day cookout recipes will start summer off right!
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Yet amidst the excitement of the coming summer season, let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day—a day set aside to honor and remember, to gather, and to celebrate.
A day to be reminded of our priceless freedom.
So before we get to those amazing Memorial Day cookout recipes…
Here are some ways to remember… and yes, celebrate Memorial Day!
Story of Freedom: A Refugee’s Story
It’s a letter from father to son.
And it begins like this:
“To my sons, Michael and Alex: I have an important message to share with you–one that involves an important American holiday…”
And continues…
“I speak of Memorial Day, which to you may just mean the official beginning of summer.”
The father then explains what Memorial Day means to him:
“You see, I came to the United States in 1975 as a refugee…”
With nothing but the clothes on his back… and a little hope. Click here to read his full story.
It’s Easy to Forget the True Meaning of Memorial Day
Though we argue, debate, and sometimes have widely opposing views on the governance of this great land… we should never forget.
May we be reminded that despite our differences, this amazing group of states we call America is, as a whole, prosperous, safe… and free.
Why We Remember
It was 1863 when Henry Ward Beecher stood before his congregation at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York and said these words…
“The young men of the country have fallen by thousands on the field…”
“But how bright a record is there for those who have died in the defense of their country. Those that die for a good cause are redeemed from death.”
“They hover as a cloud of witnesses over the nation…”
“He that is dead was your son; now he is the nation’s; he was your brother; he is now the brother of every man that loves his country. He was yours — he is ours. Not one name shall be forgotten of all the generous best.”
“Neither are they less honored who shall bear through life the marks of their battle service. The nation will honor them, so that strong men shall covet those who limp. Children shall flock with loving reverence to look upon those whose hands can no more work; whose feet can no more march except toward the common bourne. The nation will not forget those whose blood gave vital currents to her heart.”
The entire text of his sermon can be found at The New York Times Archives.
Let’s Celebrate!
Have a beautiful weekend!
Remember. Don’t forget.
And yes… celebrate!
The servants of this great land…
And a new season is just beginning.
Memorial Day Cookout Ideas
Let’s celebrate summer! See our “Memorial Day Cookout Ideas.”
Memorial Day Cookout Recipes
The BEST Turkey Burgers
The best turkey burger recipe with lean ground turkey and plenty of spices and flavorings. In my opinion, these turkey burgers are just as delicious as their beef counterparts, and they take just minutes to make!
Memorial Day Special: "Juicy Lucy" Stuffed Beef Burger
With American cheese and seasoned salt fries.
Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herbs
Bright and tasty, this grilled chicken recipe is always a favorite.
How to Make Smoked Pork Ribs in the Smoker
Smoked ribs are quite possibly the most delicious dish of summer. Here's how to smoke ribs in your backyard.
Worcestershire-Glazed Burgers
"The whole neighborhood will be stopping by for one of these juicy burgers."
Grilled and Tender Foil Wrapped Baby Back Ribs
With aroma of grilling ribs fills the air, you know the party is just getting started. This is one of the most popular ribs recipes with our readers.
Easy Patriotic Recipes Celebrating the Red White and Blue
Celebrate with festive red, white, and blue food!
Refreshing Patriotic Beverages the Whole Family Will Love
Don't forget the beverages for your Memorial Day celebration. Here are some festive ideas to try!
Easy and Healthy Patriotic Food Ideas
If you're looking for healthier Memorial Day choices, there are some great options here!
Red, White, and Blue Summer Berry Yogurt Mousse
Speaking of healthier choices, there is no guilt here with festive yogurt mousse.
Red, White, and Blue Berry Parfait (in 15 minutes)
In minutes, you can create a festive dessert that's delicious and healthy too!
Summer Easy Pasta Salad with Shredded Carrots
Summer isn't summer (for me) without this classic pasta salad with shredded carrots.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Let the crockpot go to work for this holiday with these easy and delicious pulled chicken sliders.
Slow Cooker Ribs So Tender They Fall Off the Bone
Have you every tried making ribs in a crockpot? It's such an easy way to serve tender, fall off the bone ribs!
A Summer Fresh Blueberry Crostata is the Easiest Pie You'll Make
Pie is one of the most popular Memorial Day desserts ever. If you want to make an easy version, this blueberry crostata just might be the simplest pie you've ever baked.
Easy Summer Rustic Strawberry Galette
Like the Blueberry Crostata, a galette is similar and so incredibly simple to make. If you have a fresh batch of strawberries, try this simple pie!
8 Salads of Summer
The celebration isn't complete without summer salads. Here are 8 salad recipes you'll love.
Easy Mexican Corn Salad for Summer Gatherings
A chopped salad with vibrant flavors is always a hit at Memorial Day.
Classic Potato Salad for Delicious Summer Cookouts
Like grandma used to make, this simple but classic potato salad is my favorite of the season.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta and Toasted Pecans
A simple salad that's filled with the flavors of May.
Strawberry Ricotta Cake Recipe
This Strawberry Ricotta Cake is moist, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It's an easy cake recipe with rustic Italian charm. Seriously, it will become your favorite weeknight dessert.
Easy 10 Minute No Bake Cheesecake
This No Bake Cheesecake is a 10-minute, no-bake, foolproof way to make cheesecake, the easy way. And, it's utterly delicious. Utterly simple. And one you'll make often!
Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
Strawberry Rhubarb Cake, a favorite seasonal cake recipe. A buttery batter filled with strawberries and rhubarb and flavored with vanilla and nutmeg. Delicious!
Strawberry Muffins, a Perfect Sweet and Buttery Treat
Simple and sweet, and perfect for the Memorial Day weekend and strawberry season.
A Classic Strawberry Shortcake Made Easy
Kick off the summer season with these simple but classic shortcakes, topped with the sweetest, freshest berries for a taste of summer in every bite.