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!

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes

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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.

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes + A Refugee's Story | 31Daily.com

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

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes + A Refugee's Story | 31Daily.com

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

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes + A Refugee's Story | 31Daily.com

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

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes + A Refugee's Story | 31Daily.com
Memorial Day Cookout Recipes + A Refugee's Story | 31Daily.com

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.

Memorial Day Cookout Recipes + A Refugee's Story | 31Daily.com

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

More Recipes You Can Celebrate With

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