US Inspect is a home inspection company with a heart. Here's an article they put together with suggestions of how you can honor Memorial Day, and from the folks at 365 Houston, here are some events taking place today.

This weekend many will commemorate Memorial Day. Yes, it’s a day that many of us view as the official beginning of summer, marked by picnics, BBQs, and relaxing with friends and family. But Memorial Day was established to give us a time to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

In addition to picnics and BBQs, here are five great ideas for things we can do around our homes and towns to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend.

Attend A Ceremony. Many towns have parades and ceremonies on Memorial Day and some events even conclude with a memorial service. Take some time from prepping for BBQs or relaxing with friends and family to take advantage of what your town has to offer.
Decorate with Flags. For many years, it has been a tradition to decorate graves of fallen soldiers with flags on Memorial Day. Another tradition is to fly the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. If you have a flag pole, consider joining the tradition this year.
Thank A Veteran. While Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring our fallen soldiers, it’s also a wonderful time to thank soldiers past and present who are right here in our midst today. Many of our inspectors are veterans – thank you for your service. Don’t know a veteran or want to do more? Write a letter to a veteran or soldier! Check out OperationGratitude.com for more information about writing letters or sending care packages to soldiers currently deployed.
Participate in our National Moment of Remembrance. In an effort to ensure Memorial Day is the sacred and noble holiday it is intended to be, the National Moment of Remembrance asks all of us to pause for 1 minute in an act of national unity wherever we are at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day. .
Buy A Poppy. During the days leading up to Memorial Day, members of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) accept donations for poppies. The poppy’s significance to Memorial Day derives from John McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals have been assembling Buddy Poppies since 1924. Purchase a poppy and your donation assists in maintaining state and national rehabilitation and service programs for veterans.

From 365 Houston:

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Memorial Day Golf Cart Procession in Downtown Galveston | FREE – VFW Post 880 leads this golf cart procession that honors fallen veterans through the streets of downtown Galveston, followed by a flag presentation and ceremonial playing of “Taps.” 11am to 1pm.
Memorial Day at Town Green Park in the Woodlands | FREE – Kick off summer with this annual patriotic celebration that honors the military service of those who sacrificed most for the United States. This evening celebration features a commemoration ceremony, live music and crowd favorites from Rapture, children’s activities, strolling entertainment and a fireworks show. 5pm to 9pm.
Patriotic Concert at Sugar Land Town Square | FREE – In honor of fallen servicemembers, this free concert in Sugar Land offers a program of music that salutes a love for America. 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023

Memorial Day 5K/10K at St. Thomas High School – Houston Running Co. hosts this annual run that features 5K, 10K and Kids K lengths, proceeding down Memorial Drive and back. $50 and up; $25 for Kids K. 7:30am.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Houston National Cemetery | FREE – Join representatives and city dignitaries for a solemn event at the Houston National Cemetery, where those gathered will remember those who sacrificed most in the armed forces. 9am.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park | FREE – Dignitaries of Congress and Brigadier General John C. Hafley are joined by the Conroe Symphony Orchestra Brass Quartet for this morning of remembrance on Memorial Day. 9am to 10am.
Memorial Day Celebration at Friendswood Veteran’s Memorial | FREE – Bring a lawn chair for this special ceremony in Friendswood that includes a bagpipe medley from Rob Wise and a choir performance from Friendswood First Baptist Church, as well as an honor guard and keynote speech. 9:30am.
Memorial Day Ceremony & Museum Admission at Galveston Naval Museum | FREE – Among historic naval vessels, this annual ceremony includes a speech recognizing fallen servicemembers, along with refreshments and free admission to the museum until 11am., with guided docent tours. 10am to 11am.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Sugar Land Memorial Park | FREE – Pay tribute to fallen members of the armed forces at this ceremony in Fort Bend that includes a patriotic musical presentation, words of remembrance, and flag ceremony. 10am to 1pm.
Memorial Day Celebration at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum | FREE with RSVP – Guests to this annual celebration in Museum District can explore the African American military experience by taking part in interactive exhibits and learning about special resources for veterans and their families. RSVP required. 10am to 4pm.
Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park – Enjoy a Memorial Day at the ballpark for an afternoon game against Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins. $20 and up. 3pm.

photo: Getty Images