Memorial Day honors those who have given their all for their country and for freedom. a day for mourning U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed each year on the last Monday of May.
You might visit a monument, or watch a local parade, or enjoy a family cookout in fine weather. But try not to lose sight of the day’s purpose: “Happy Memorial Day” is not an appropriate greeting, even when you thoroughly enjoy the long weekend.
Here, a few suggestions of places to visit and things to do to understand past conflicts and sacrifices, for the long Memorial weekend, or any time.
The National WWII Museum - New Orleans, LA
Located in the up-and-coming Arts/Warehouse District, an alternative to the major tourist draw of the French Quarter, The National WWII Museum explores the American experience in the war that changed the world.
The exterior of the National World War II Museum located in downtown New Orleans.
On May 21, the museum, in partnership with the Mayor’s Military Advisory Committee, will host an Armed Forces Day Commemoration Ceremony to honor all past and present members of the Armed Forces.
For the past several years, the museum's Memorial Day Commemoration and National Moment of Silence has highlighted the service and sacrifice of fallen service members by working with the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II.
In addition to these events, the Museum’s special exhibits, Infamy: Pearl Harbor Remembered and The Real Image of War: Steichen and Ford in the Pacific, highlight WWII-related subjects not covered in the Museum's permanent exhibits, as well as more in-depth coverage of subjects that are in its permanent exhibits.
History-buffs can book their stay at The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, an art deco-style property located on The National WWII Museum’s campus that sports WWII artifacts, a full-service restaurant, and a rooftop bar called “Rosie’s on the Roof” that offers sweeping views of the city and more.
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Known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills,” Rapid City is an excellent destination to visit during Memorial Day weekend. Visitors can start their journey just outside of the city, and walk through aviation history at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum, which showcases more than 30 vintage military aircraft ranging from World War II bombers to the modern-day B-1.
Box Elder, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Air & Space Museum, B-1B Lancer Bomber.
While in Rapid City, travelers can stay at Hotel Alex Johnson, a member of the Historic Hotels of America that was built in 1928, and check out the City of Presidents, a collection of life-size bronze sculptures of past presidents placed along the city’s streets and sidewalks.
About an hour outside of the city along Interstate 90, is the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, where a vast arsenal of nuclear missiles were placed during the Cold War. Located just outside of Badlands National Park, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site consists of three sites and offers access to the Delta-09 missile silo, as well as daily tours of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility.
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Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s largest Memorial Day commemoration – Bank of America Celebration at the Station – returns on May 29 after a two-year hiatus. The event takes place in front of KC’s historic 1914 Union Station. Guests can enjoy food trucks, live pre-concert entertainment and a free patriotic performance by the Kansas City Symphony followed by KC’s largest display of fireworks.
Kansas City is also home to the National WWI Museum and Memorial and, in honor of Memorial Day, the public will receive half-off admission — veterans and active duty military members receive free admission — starting May 27.
The institution will also host a number of exhibits including the Flags of Forgotten Soldiers display, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall, and a vintage military vehicle display.
Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, USA
The Memorial Day Ceremony will begin on May 30 with remarks from dignitaries and a keynote address from Lt. Gen. Larry Jordan. Following the ceremony, guests can commemorate heroes at the Memorial Day Bell Tolling Ceremony and Walk of Honor Dedication, or tour the museum’s collection, such as a walk-in shell crater and a stunning re-creation of No Man’s Land.
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Honor heroes aboard the USS Lexington, the world’s oldest aircraft carrier that now serves as a naval aviation museum. Take a self guided tour of the Hangar Bay or Flight Deck to become immersed in the rich history of the ship and World War II before attending the annual Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony and Wreath Laying. The event begins on May 30 and is free to the public with more than 250 guests expected to attend.
Aircraft carrier USS Lexington docked in Corpus Christi
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Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Grand Rapids Memorial Day Parade beginning at 12 p.m. on May 30. The parade route will extend from Remembrance Road to Walker Village Drive. Previous events have featured airshows, performances from local groups, floats and honored veterans and active military personnel.
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Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI is one of the oldest military posts in the country, and this Memorial Day Weekend, will display The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial.
In 2016, Operation Stand Down RI launched the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial which presented almost 7,000 combat boots adorned with flags and placards. Each boot represents the life of a U.S. service member killed in action post 9-11 in the Global War on Terror. (From May 27th – 30th, the display will be open to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Monday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) On Saturday May 28 from 5-6 p.m., there will be a Patriotic Concert featuring the 88th Army Band, Rhode Island National Guard. Admission is free.
