Celebrating Memorial Day
It's almost Memorial Day weekend, y'all! And that means we can officially kick off summer and all the fun that comes with the sunny season—BBQs, pool parties, fireworks, baseball. I've already started planning my Memorial Day menu, that if weather permits, will be served up poolside. But, first, let's talk about how important this holiday is for our country and for me.
When I was still in high school, my oldest brother joined the Air Force, and when he was deployed during Operation Desert Storm (ODS), the reality of possibly losing him weighed heavy on my heart. And if you're new to my blog, my husband, Curtis, (pictured above far right) was a Sgt. First Class in the National Guard and Honor Guard when we married.
So, honoring our fallen military is by far the most important activity for us every Memorial Day. I didn't lose my brother in ODS; I lost him a few years ago to complications he acquired in ODS. To honor my brother, a flag is placed at his gravesite every Memorial Day. We decorate our house with bunting American flags and take time to remember him and all the soldiers who have given their lives to protect ours.
Now that Curtis and I are back in Southeast Missouri, we get to enjoy the small town charm of summer fun—parades, cookouts, block parties, camping and festivals. Since Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer, we've got a potluck cookout planned, poolside of course. We provide the main dishes and our guests sign up to bring a side dish or desert.
I always try to find some solid staples that I can go-to in a seconds notice—simple ingredients, quick to make and you can enjoy your guests and food without feeling stretched and confined to making more food for your guests. And because we'll be poolside for Memorial Day, I’m setting up a buffet to make everything easy to grab and eat.
So, what are a few of the things I’ll be making this Memorial Day? A paloma, a refreshing tomato-avocado salad and flank steak, and of course, I’ll be sharing my recipes with you. Stay tuned.
We wish you and yours a Happy Memorial Day. Be greatly blessed, be safe, stay groovy and enjoy every moment with your loved ones, my friends. And God bless the U.S.A.
Amy