Put on your bathing suit, fire up your BBQ grill, and get ready: it is Memorial Day weekend!
Many students ask CISL staff members the same question: “What is Memorial Day?” We think that is a very good question to ask! It is a United States holiday created to celebrate the people who died during military service. Originally it was called “Decoration Day” and it was celebrated to remember the soldiers who died during the American Civil War. Today, the holiday extends to all who died during wars and there are many beautiful services that the public can attend to pay their respects to the fallen.*
Memorial Day is also the official “beginning” of summer, and most families celebrate with barbecues, outings to the beach, and picnics. In addition, because it is a three-day weekend (and most offices are closed on Monday) it is typically a great weekend for shopping and many stores offer great bargains.
Are you looking for some fun this Memorial Day? Check out some suggested activities:
Legacy Week, USS Midway
The USS Midway’s Legacy Week includes many celebrations including concerts, remembrance ceremonies, and events that provide tons of interesting historic information. Several events get you free admission into the museum after!
Here are some of the events:
Friday, May 26th:Â Three Dog Night, Live in Concert!
Have you ever been to a concert aboard an aircraft carrier? Check out this concert! For more information–and to purchase tickets–check out the  website for more information and to buy tickets!
May 26-28: The Battle of Midway Experience
10am – 4pm
The Midway was named after the famous Battle of Midway. Learn about the battle’s namesake and check out the museum’s newest exhibit, The Battle of Midway Experience!
May 27-28: Meet Pilots, Up Close and Personal 10am-4pm Sunday and Monday.
Meet and talk with pilots that have flown the type of aircraft on board the museum. Pilots will be stationed by each aircraft on the ship and available for questions.
Saturday, May 27th: Â Free Concert
4pm-5pm
Enjoy a free one-hour concert by the United States 40-Piece Navy Region Southwest Band while aboard the USS Midway’s Museum’s flight deck. The Midway asks that the audience arrive 30 minutes before the performance.
Nutella Eating Contest
8:30 am to 9:30 am at the parking lot of Jett Gallery on 989 West Kalmia St.
Everyone loves Nutella, but how much do you REALLY love it? A lot? Then enter the Nutella Eating Contest at the parking lot of Jett Gallery on 989 West Kalmia St! The event consists of two rounds start at 8:30 am and 9:30 am and it costs $5 to enter. The winner receives free crepes for a year from Crepes Bonaparte!
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery 111th annual Memorial Day Service
Monday, May 30 at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery at 10am (live music begins at 8:45 am)
Military, military family members, and the public will gather at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Monday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. for the 111th annual Memorial Day Service. There will be live music from the Navy band and the actual program will have music, a wreath tribute, a cannon and rifle salute, soloist by a bagpiper, and memorial readings. The official event speaker is Rear Admiral William Douglas French, US Navy Commander, Navy Region Southwest.
15th Annual American Heritage Car Show
Saturday, May 26 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Festivals & Fairs Grape Day Park in Escondido.
Americans love their cars… especially classic ones! Are you interested in seeming some real “beauties”? The 15th Annual American Heritage Car Show will be held on Saturday, May 26 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Festivals & Fairs Grape Day Park in Escondido.
25th Annual Kensington Memorial Day Parade
Along Marlborough Drive between Adams Ave and Palisades Rd
Looking for a much cuter event? Check out the Kensington Parade! Children will march in the 25th Annual Kensington Memorial Day Parade along Marlborough Drive between Adams Avenue and Palisades Road. The area is full of great restaurants to grab lunch in after the parade.
Sea World Fireworks Commencement
Saturday, May 26 at 9:30 pmÂ
Sea World will begin its summer fireworks show this weekend. Enjoy nightly fireworks for the rest of the summer!
* “the fallen” is often a term used to describe the people who died, especially soldiers.