God Bless HAM-merica: HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville & The True Meaning of Memorial Day

If you were asked what Memorial Day was about, what would your answer be (don't worry, many of us would be uncertain of our response)?

Most of us may simply say Memorial Day is a three-day weekend for family and friends to get together and have a picnic or hang out at the beach. In a way, this answer is correct, because that's how most Americans view this holiday! 

The actual origin of this national holiday (which used to be known as Decoration Day), however, dates way back to the mid-1800s after the Civil War-- Many men died so brutally during the Civil War that people were looking for ways to honor the those who died fighting. 

Families of fallen soldiers in Pennsylvania began visiting the burial sites of deceased soldiers to place flowers at their graves, and word of this honorary gesture quickly spread down to the south into Mississippi, where women started doing the same. 

On May 5th, 1868 General John Logan made Memorial Day an official day of remembrance where flowers where placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery-- And that's how this holiday came about.

Now that you've received your history lesson for the day...

Here are 3 great ideas to celebrate YOUR Memorial Day:

1. Attend a Parade.

Many small towns and communities have annual parades for Memorial Day. Wear the best red, white & blue outfit you can get your hands on and pack yourself some snacks (like sandwiches from your friends at HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville ) to share with friends or loved ones after the parade. 

2. Have a Picnic.

Picnics are very popular on Memorial Day. Every year after decorating the graves of veterans, thousands of veteran families typically gather at a local park and have a large picnic together. Again, here’s an opportunity to celebrate traditions by bringing something that has been part of our family during the holidays: a delicious meal with all your favorite fixins HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville ! 

3. Host A BBQ Potluck.

Why not have your family & friends gather at your house and host a BBQ potluck?! Everyone could bring a least one food item (or the beverages) when they show up at your house.  And if you really want to serve up something that’s guaranteed to get everyone excited about your potluck party, have a big' ol turkey or a juicy HoneyBaked Ham along with your BBQ staples. These succulent main course options alone will definitely seal the success of your food gathering (how could it not)?!

So no matter how you choose to spend your 3-day weekend this year, make HoneyBaked Ham a part of it... You won't be disappointed.

Here's to a marvelous Memorial Day celebration with family and friends!

--Your HoneyBaked Ham Douglasville Crew