Don’t let mobility issues cause you to miss out on celebrating Memorial Day this year. Memorial Day often signifies the start of summer, a time of renewal, in addition to the observance of those that have served. Use these ideas and suggestions to celebrate and make the most of Memorial Day, despite any issues related to mobility that you may have.
Don’t let physical challenges or mobility limitations hinder you from observing and celebrating Memorial Day in May. There are many ways to honor those that serve that do not present accessibility issues though this is the perfect time to evaluate and consider mobility aids to enhance your own autonomy.
Celebrate Memorial Day this year, regardless of mobility issues, with these ideas:
Fly the Flag
Keep it simple the most meaningful thing that you can do on Memorial Day is to fly a flag. If you do not have a traditional flagpole or flag, invest in some small ones. Size is unimportant. Make sure that you fly the flag at half-mast to recognize those that have passed.
Don’t have a flag? Create your own; there are lots of tutorials online for sewing, drawing, and constructing your own US flag.
Wear Patriotic Garb
Spread the meaning of the holiday by donning all your red, white, and blue apparel. Go full-on stars and stripes! Visit thrift stores throughout the year to find great deals on flashy patriotic garb. Wear your outfit ahead of time even if you are not leaving the house. Wearing the colors of this great country is enough to put anyone in a celebratory and grateful mood.
Give to Others
If you have a way to get there, consider visiting someone that has served. This may be a friend or family member, young or old, or perhaps you are a member of an organization that serves veterans. Spend a few minutes thanking them for their service and share a moment or two. It can be a powerful way to commemorate Memorial Day.
Send Some Love
Who doesn’t love to get mail? To pay tribute to Memorial Day, commit to sending a care package to current servicemen serving abroad. These soldiers love receiving small gifts, trinkets, and essentials from home, such as hygiene products and candy. Include a handwritten note and lots of good wishes from stateside!
If a package is more than you can do right now, consider a letter to someone serving overseas. Join up with a military pen pal project and start a correspondence with a soldier serving in the military. Letters can brighten anyone’s day- particularly someone who is far from home.
See a Parade
Is there a parade planned near you? There is something about a parade that can put you in a patriotic state of mind; make plans to see a parade to celebrate Memorial Day this year. These are typically offered in municipalities, cities, and towns across the nation to honor all those that gave their lives for their country while serving in the Armed Forces. These are usually posted widely on local event sites or in newspapers.
Visit a Cemetery
Memorial Day in the US is a traditional time to visit cemeteries to pay respects to those that you have lost, whether military personnel or not. Memorial Day is just that a time to memorialize and remember those that you care about.
Lay down wreaths, flowers, or flags for your loved ones that have passed. There may be gatherings planned at local cemeteries to place wreaths or flags on the graves of veterans, so plan accordingly. Know that accessibility may be challenging at some locales. The ground can be uneven terrain for someone with mobility challenges. Planned events will offer some sort of handicap access for visitors with physical limitations.
Take a Trip
Another benchmark of many people’s Memorial Day celebrations is travel. If your mobility challenges do not hinder you from getting out of town, plan on heading somewhere that accommodates visitors with limited mobility. Popular destinations are generally ready to provide for their guests that have physical challenges or disabilities but you may call ahead to make sure. Consider festive Memorial Day spots like Branson, MO, Charleston, SC, or even Washington DC.
Speaking of the Nation’s capital, what better place to spend Memorial Day weekend? The number of monuments, museums, parks, and buildings provides plenty to see and do, but are they accessible? Some popular spots that do offer access for those with physical disabilities, handicaps, or limitations include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, and Arlington Cemetery though you may need to ride on a bus to explore the latter.
To learn more about mobility aids and solutions, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they offer high-quality mobility equipment, devices, and aids to make life better. Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
