Memorial Day

April 14, 2023 Nicholas Lowe

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May each year. The holiday is a day of remembrance for the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a time for the nation to honor and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by these brave individuals in defense of their country.

The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the American Civil War, when communities began to hold ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers. The holiday was first known as Decoration Day, as it was a time when people would decorate the graves of those who had died in battle.

Over time, the holiday became more widely recognized and was officially recognized by the U.S. government as Memorial Day in 1971. Today, Memorial Day is observed with parades, ceremonies, and the laying of wreaths and flowers at military cemeteries and memorials throughout the country.

In addition to honoring the sacrifices of those who have died in service to their country, Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial start of the summer season in the United States. Many people take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with family and friends, travel, and participate in outdoor activities and games.

It is important to remember, however, that the true purpose of Memorial Day is to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices, and their memory should be cherished and honored each year on this solemn and important holiday.

While Memorial Day is primarily a time for solemn remembrance and reflection, many families and communities also use the holiday as an opportunity to come together and celebrate the arrival of summer. One way to do this is by playing games that are fun for all ages and can be enjoyed by groups large and small. Here are a few ideas for Memorial Day games:

Three-legged race - This classic race involves tying the left leg of one player to the right leg of another player, and then racing to the finish line. It's a great way to promote teamwork and cooperation, and can be played by people of all ages.

Tug of war - Tug of war is another classic game that can be enjoyed by groups large and small. Two teams line up on opposite sides of a rope and try to pull the other team across a designated line. It's a great way to promote healthy competition and teamwork.

9 Square - 9 Square is a fast-paced and highly addictive game that can be played by individuals or teams. The game involves nine squares arranged in a 3 x 3 grid, with players standing in the squares. The object of the game is to hit a ball into another player's square without letting it bounce more than once. Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands or feet, and must hit the ball with any other part of their body. If a player hits the ball out of bounds or lets it bounce more than once in their square, they are out of the game. As players are eliminated, the remaining players move up to the higher-numbered squares, with the winner ultimately taking the coveted center square. The game can be played on a variety of surfaces, including grass, sand, and pavement, and can be adjusted to suit players of different ages and skill levels. 9 Square is a great game for promoting coordination, agility, and teamwork, as players must work together to keep the ball in play and outsmart their opponents. It's also a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and can be played with minimal equipment and setup.

Frisbee - Frisbee is a great outdoor game that can be played by individuals or teams. The object of the game is to pass the Frisbee back and forth without dropping it, and to score points by catching the Frisbee in a designated area.

Cornhole - Cornhole is a popular game that involves tossing bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it. Points are scored based on where the bags land, and the first team to reach a designated point total wins.

While it's important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and to honor the sacrifices of those who have died in service to their country, it's also important to take some time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Playing games together is a great way to do just that, and can create lasting memories and traditions for years to come.