L.A. Memorial Day: Top Activities & Observances

Memorial Day in Los Angeles is, actually, more than just a day off; it’s a time to remember and pay respects to those who gave their all for our country, so naturally you would want to commemorate the holiday appropriately. While BBQs and beach trips might be very common, consider spending some of your time participating in activities that honor the true meaning of the day. This list includes some meaningful and engaging ideas for things to do around Los Angeles during Memorial Day weekend. Remember, that, this federal holiday is observed annually on the last Monday of May.

Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony

Perhaps the most genuine way to spend Memorial Day is by attending a ceremony that is specifically organized to honor fallen soldiers. Forest Lawn Memorial Park usually holds a pretty moving event that features patriotic speeches, musical performances, and a flyover, giving respects to those who served. Similarly, the Los Angeles National Cemetery has its own service where you can see wreath-laying and military salutes. These gatherings give communities a chance to come together, show respect, and reflect on the sacrifices that others have created for freedom. Forest Lawn, more specifically, has multiple locations around Los Angeles, so just see which one is most convenient for you. These events usually offer a really powerful and humbling experience.

Battleship IOWA Museum

You may want to spend Memorial Day by doing something historically rich at the Battleship IOWA Museum. Typically they have special events that could feature military displays, historical reenactments, and memorial services all right there on the ship. The chance to discover a historic battleship adds more depth to your remembrance of military history, basically connecting you to those stories of the past in a way that a textbook simply can’t do. Visiting a spot that represents part of the country’s military heritage could offer a great way to honor those that have actually served.

Memorial Day at Rosie the Riveter Park

Honoring those that have actually served doesn’t just involve remembering those on the front lines. It’s almost as important to also pay respects to the ones on the home front. You could spend your Memorial Day at Rosie the Riveter Park in Long Beach. It’s named after the iconic figure who symbolizes women’s contributions to the war effort during World War II. This park offers an opportunity to think about the work and sacrifices that women took during that time, thus including an additional level to the way you think about the war period. Spending time here gives perspective on how supporting the troops at home was, very, very critical to success.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities & Remember

Outdoor spaces, whether you choose a beach, park, or hiking trail, provide really calm and reflective settings ideal for paying your respects. Pack a picnic and take a moment of silence overlooking the Pacific from a local beach like Santa Monica, so maybe you can remember those that fought to protect scenes just like the ones around you. Alternately, go for a hike in Griffith Park. Find a peaceful spot where, arguably, you could reflect on freedom, and perhaps take a moment to feel grateful for those serving. The blend of nature with contemplation makes these outdoor excursions appropriate for Memorial Day.

Griffith Observatory Visit

To add a level of learning and remembrance to your Memorial Day weekend, then you should take the opportunity to visit Griffith Observatory. Beyond its famous views, you could attend any astronomy-related displays or check out exhibitions that highlight exploration and discovery. Sometimes looking up at the stars and really contemplating our place in the world, very, very clearly emphasizes the importance of cherishing and protecting our planet and freedom, which is exactly what those that have actually served aimed to do. It makes you think about things in a wider context.

Go to a Parade

Spending the day spectating, and possibly participating, in a Memorial Day parade might just be one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday. Many local neighborhoods put together parades that honor military personnel and veterans. Viewing these parades might actually fill you with a sense of community spirit and recognition as you witness local groups, marching bands, and veteran organizations passing by. These parades really demonstrate collective thanks and offer an incredibly public showing of appreciation for those sacrifices the men and women in the military have given, too it’s almost the least we can do. To find parades around the Los Angeles space, simply do some searching online.

Visit a Museum

Los Angeles boasts several museums where you can deepen your gratitude through learning about military history. The California Science Center could offer relevant exhibits; so, too it’s almost worth seeing what they have that would shed light on the history and developments relating to the country’s defense and technological advancements. Learning about the past offers perspective on current challenges and honors the dedication of servicemen. Plus, it is, of course, both informative and introspective to explore these museums.

The Museum of Flying

A trip to the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica would be rather special. The museum celebrates aviation heritage through displays of historic aircraft and exhibits. With these displays you’re able to delve into how aircraft design has evolved, in addition to taking a gander at military planes that would’ve actually been flown. Memorial Day also gives occasion to actually ponder upon how aviation has really impacted military efforts through the years. So visiting gives us the occasion to think on the creativity and audacity involved. It’s both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Take Part in Community Service

Instead of the normal day at the beach, choose to honor people in military service by volunteering for any kind of service event on Memorial Day, a bit of a role reversal, if you want to think about it that way. So this could involve participating in activities like tidying up local veteran’s cemeteries or providing aid to local veteran’s assistance organizations. Such selfless actions show solidarity with those currently in uniform. This act adds personal significance and shows you actually appreciate these individuals.