Memorial Day - The Unofficial Start of Summer or...

Did you know that the Memorial Day holiday began after the Civil War, and at that time was known as “Decoration Day?” While it was originally founded to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War, Decoration Day turned into Memorial Day and we now observe this holiday as a day to honor all of the Americans and patriots who have died in service to their country.

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the busy summer season in the Washington, DC metro area.  We DMV’ers celebrate this weekend with family and friends, usually over a grill and with a beer.  But the true meaning of Memorial Day goes far beyond barbecues and mattress sales.  This holiday weekend is a time of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. This is a great time to honor our veterans by visiting the monuments in Washington, DC and attending special events open to the public.

Here’s a quick list of things you and your family can do to observe Memorial Day 2016

Events in Washington, DC

National Memorial Day Concert
Sunday, May 29, 2016, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

National Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 30, 2016, beginning at 2 p.m. The parade of marching bands and Veteran units from all 50 states begins at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue past the White House.  The National Memorial Day Parade will also include patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder is a motorcycle demonstration that hosts thousands of motorcycles as they ride through Washington DC in an annual demonstration seeking to improve veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues.  Over the years, the ride has also evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.

·        * Saturday, May 28, 2016, 11 a.m. Rolling Thunder visits the Navy Memorial and holds a wreath-laying ceremony featuring special guests and live performances.

·         * Sunday, May 29, 2016. Rolling Thunder will depart from the Pentagon at 12 p.m. There will be a musical tribute 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool across from The Lincoln Memorial.

·         * Sunday, May 29, 2016, 10 a.m. The Buffalo Thunder Memorial Motorcycle Ride will begin in the Sears parking lot at 2101 Brightseat Rd. in Hyattsville, MD and end at the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum at 1925 Vermont Ave NW in Washington, DC.
 

Arlington National Cemetery 

·         Monday, May 30, 2016, 11 a.m. A wreath-laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

·         Monday, May 30, 2016, 4 p.m. The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, will hold a ceremony that includes formal military honors, a keynote address, wreath-layings and the Memorial’s signature event, the scattering of rose petals in tribute to departed comrades. Members of the public are invited to join in the personal tribute segment of the program.
 

World War II Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. The National Park Service will host a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of our veterans. Guest speakers will give remarks. The theme for the commemoration is "Honoring our Fallen Warriors." Many surviving WWII veterans will be in attendance.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016, 1 p.m. Thousands of veterans and their families will visit The Wall to remember and to honor the U.S. armed forces. The wreath-laying ceremony is open to the public.

Air Force Memorial
Monday, May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. wreath laying ceremony is open to the public. Activities include the National Anthem, the laying of the wreath and Taps.

President Lincoln's Cottage
Monday, May 30, 2016. Take a free guided tour of the USSAH National Cemetery (predecessor of Arlington National Cemetery) at 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony will also take place at the Soldiers' Home at 10 a.m. Tours of the Cottage will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the regular price of $15 for adults and $5 for children. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Advanced reservations for Cottage Tours are strongly recommended.

Events in Maryland and Virginia

Hometown Holidays
May 28-30, 2016. The city of Rockville's Memorial Day event is a three-day street festival with live music, children's entertainment, a parade and more.

Chestertown Tea Party Festival
May 27-29, 2016. The historic river-front town on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay (about an hour and half from DC) kicks off each summer with a weekend of fun for the whole family including a tea toss reenactment, colonial parade, cocktail party, raft race, street performances, colonial crafts, strolling musicians, local fare, 5k & 10 mile run and more.

Viva Vienna
May 28-30, 2016. Vienna, Virginia celebrates with a community festival including food, crafts, music, carnival rides and a Memorial Day tribute.

Delaplane Strawberry Festival
May 28-29, 2016, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA. The annual festival includes live entertainment, children's games, pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, a 5K fun run, a raptor exhibit, antique cars, food, crafts and, of course, strawberries.

Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
Monday, May 30, 2016, 1-7 p.m. Waterfront Park, 1 Prince Street Alexandria, VA. The annual event features big band, swing, and contemporary jazz music. Picnics are allowed and food and beverages will also be for sale. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be relocated to the Lee Center's Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free.

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Monday May 30, 2016, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City of Falls Church, Virginia celebrates Memorial Day with a festival featuring pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food and a community parade.

We all look forward to the Memorial Day weekend.  It’s the weekend most of us have our first grilled hot dog or hamburger of the summer season.  Federal employees get a day off from work. It is, after all, the unofficial start of summer!  …but that’s not all it is….

”I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.” -- Benjamin Harrison

That’s what it’s all about.

What’s cool about Family & MWR: A Not-So Objective View

I’ve been a military service member’s family member for a long while.  I’ve since retired (grew up and got married) but I will always - and fondly - remember my days "in service" (my Army dad retired after 20 years of service).  I can remember learning to play tennis, learning to swim, taking a baby-sitting class, learning to ski, going bowling and skating - or just hanging out and having fun at the Youth Center – all while my dad and my Federal service civilian mom were working.

My family and I had a tradition of going to eat at the Officers’ Club almost every Friday night.  My parents enjoyed themed dinners like Mongolian Stir-Fry and I always had a cheeseburger and fries…but it was the best cheeseburger and fries ever!  We even stayed at an Officers’ Club for a couple of weeks when my dad got orders that brought us back to the States from Germany.

Know what all of those things have in common?  They were operated and staffed by employees of the (now named) Family & Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (Family & MWR) organization. 

Family & MWR has been around, in one form or another, since 1903.  Congress authorized the Army to build, operate, and maintain PXs, libraries, schools, recreation centers, and gyms for service members. And over the years, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation services for our troops and their families were constant and continually reviewed until we have what we all know to be today’s Family & MWR.

So, what’s so cool about Family & MWR?  Boy, oh, boy – let me count the ways.

Aside from your spouse, parents or grandparents, who else do you know who’s “job” it is to take care of your every need?  Say it with me.  “Family & MWR.”  Thaaaaat’s right!  We aren’t like, maids or butlers, but our team of employees is trained in dealing with all facets of your life.  Want to start planning your retirement? We can handle that.  Need to tone your bod? We have a place for that.  Got kids? We have people for that.  Keep reading for just how much value Family & MWR can add to your life!

Fun & Entertainment

If Family & MWR is known for anything, we’re known for our special events, trips, and discount tickets.  If you have ever attended an event on a military installation, chances are Family & MWR was involved.  Did you finally plan that “oh-so-special” trip to Disney World? You probably got your discounted admission tickets from the Leisure Travel Office.  …and if you were really savvy, you stayed at the Armed Forces Vacation Club Shades of Green resort while you were in Florida.  If it’s fun, Family& MWR is involved!

Family Issues & Financial Services

Our lives are seldom tidy and without problems.  Who are we kidding?  Sometimes, life seems to be just one crisis after another.  If we aren’t the ones personally experiencing a troubling situation then our family members are.  Army Community Service (ACS) is staffed with highly trained people who can assist you with navigating financial hardships, sexual assault (and other violence), preparing for a newborn, skills for how not to choke your spouse in his sleep, how to better deal with your teenager (wine not provided) and so much more!

Child Development & Youth Guidance

Our service members have so many options for child care when they move to a new place.  There are schools and day care centers closer to home and those you have to apply to get in.  The difference between the child care provider on base and those off is that we are held to a stricter standard than most civilian facilities.  The child development center on JBM-HH is the largest and most state of the art center of its kind Army-wide and we have maintained our accreditation since opening.  We provide healthy meals and snack, a safe environment, and education for even the youngest child.

Physical Activity & Fitness

We all need to maintain our physical fitness and a healthy weight.  From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, exercise can improve almost every facet of your life.  Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. It is the best medicine around!  The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, gender or physical ability.  Both the Myer and McNair Fitness Centers are equipped with cardio machines, weight machines, and we offer fitness classes ranging from gentle movements like yoga to body-shaking Zumba.  …all in an effort to help you lead a healthy and happy life!

Education & Improvement

In addition to the family services and seminars provided by ACS, the Family & MWR Library is full of the very best books (printed and e-books), current and classic films on DVD, career training materials, language software, and college prep materials.  Because we are the Army and serve those who serve and protect us - many, many…MANY news outlets and e-readers make their products available to us at no charge.  Our libraries offer access to local and national newspapers, periodicals, career reference guides, FREE use of ancestry software and just so much more!  The only thing our libraries and librarians don’t do is read these things to you!

Eat Drink & Be Merry

Think back to all of the happiest moments in your life… Christmas, birthdays, Easter, Passover, 4^th of July, weddings and other special occasions…all of those things have one thing in common.  All of those events included a feast to end all feasts!  Feasts like those just happen to be a Family & MWR specialty!  JBM-HH’s Five Star Catering professionals are not only award-winning chefs but include first rate event planners.  We’ve planned hundreds of wedding receptions, celebrated thousands of Moms’ at our Mother’s Day Brunches, catered numerous special events for our family and friends, and spent the holidays serving you and your loved ones...because you are our loved ones!  We really do consider you family!

You see, there’s not one part of your life in which Family & MWR is not honored to offer assistance.  Our unofficial mission to make sure that you and your family are ready and rested in order to fulfill your mission of service to our country.  …and it’s our pleasure to do so!

 Visit us online at www.jbmhhMWR.com to learn more about how Family & MWR can be of service to you and your family.