As the unofficial start of summer, the coming weekend can be an excellent opportunity to spend time with family and friends, as well as remember those in the armed forces that have sacrificed for our country. 

Even though the pandemic may be impacting your Memorial Day activities, there are still plenty of things you can do to celebrate with loved ones and show gratitude to those who have served. 

• Tune in to the National Memorial Day Concert. Watch the moving tribute to America’s servicemen and women from the comfort of your own home. PBS is live streaming the event on Sunday, May 30th, at 8:00 EST. 

• Decorate Your House or Create a Sidewalk Mural. Creating patriotic decorations or drawing on the sidewalk can be fun activities for kids of all ages and provide them with a creative approach to show their appreciation for those who’ve served.

• Get Outdoors. Take advantage of the warmer weather, and host a BBQ, roast s’mores or set up the tent and go camping in your backyard. You could even create an outside movie theater with an old bed sheet and a projector. If you want to venture further from home, check to see if pools, beaches or lakes are open in your area and are allowing visitors.

• Pay Respects at a Cemetery. Visit a local cemetery and place flowers, flags or Memorial Day decorations on the graves of fallen soldiers to honor them. Offer a moment of silence and take a moment or two with your family to remember those who have served and the debt you owe to them.

Make the most of the holiday while still celebrating safely.