Getaway Guide To Memorial Day Ceremonies And History
Memorial day weekend marks the beginning of the summer season at shore, bay and mountain resorts. But it was established after the Civil War to honor and remember the sacrifices of the men and women who died in service to the nation. Whether you're planning a Memorial Day weekend of day trips near home or a getaway road trip, you can fill it with fun against a background of history that reflects the significance of the holiday. Here's where.-- Jay Lloyd
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
Annapolis, MD 21402
Annapolis, Maryland offers the variety of sophisticated and casual dining with views of a historic harbor, just off the fabled Chesapeake Bay. A visit to the Naval Academy evokes images of America's first naval hero, John Paul Jones and those who followed in his wake. Stop at the lower level of the chapel to see Jones' last resting place, guarded around the clock by a marine sentry and containing the captain's uniforms medals and distinctive artifacts. The museum on the academy grounds is home to one of the finest collections of detailed ship models, representing our rich nautical history. Splurge and stay at the Annapolis Marriott at City Dock or the historic Governor Calvert House on the Capitol Circle. Dine upscale at Harry Browne's or crack crabs at Buddy's.
FORT McHENRY
2400 E. Fort Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Take a water taxi from the Baltimore Inner Harbor. See the daunting Fort McHenry from the water as the British invasion force saw it during the war of 1812. The stars and bars flying over the fort during the bombardment, viewed by a prisoner aboard a British frigate sparked the words of Francis Scott Key that became America's National Anthem. Tour the fort and attend Memorial Day events. Stay at an inner harbor hotel and dine at a waterfront restaurant. Our crew enjoys the view from the Rusty Scupper for drinks or dinner.
INTREPID SEA, AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
A visit to the iconic Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum surrounding the aircraft carrier Intrepid during the Memorial Day weekend bursts with a double dose of excitement. The weekend marks the finale of Fleet Week in New York. It brings to the Hudson River an imposing collection of warships that can be boarded by visitors for an up-close view of naval drills and exercises. The Intrepid Museum will be alive with dockside music, a riveting Memorial Day Ceremony and a viewing of the classic flick, "Top Gun" on the flight deck. All exhibits will be open including the fighting aircraft, the submarine "Growler", the Concorde and Enterprise space shuttle. Not to mention the vibrancy that infuses New York City.
COAST GUARD TRAINING CENTER
Cape May, New Jersey
A statue at the Coast Guard Base in Cape May honors the memory of signalman Douglas Munro who lost his life at Guadalcanal while evacuating pinned down marines from a beachhead. This year, the Memorial Day weekend will be marked by a sunset parade, open to visitors on Sunday, May 29th. Since many from our area will be spending a shore weekend for the holiday, it's a chance to experience the precision drills of recruits who will soon complete their training to enter the fleet and air units of the United States' oldest seagoing service. Stay at one of the many Cape May beachfront hotels and dine at the waterfront Lobster House in the midst of Cape May's fishing fleet.
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Staying close to home for the holiday weekend? Well, here a chance to absorb music and history with 3 days of activities surrounding the constitution and America's military lore. Learn more about Fort Mc Henry heritage, the flag and the National Anthem while listening to martial music of the National Guard Band. Check out the presentations on tap at the National Constitution Center. And it's a chance to stroll historic "Old City" Philadelphia before the backyard barbecue.
VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Explore the lives of our earliest troops at the winter encampment of General George Washington as December of 1777 rolled around. Many would be among the first to die in combat for a new country struggling to break the grip of colonialism. You hike, bike, drive or bus along defensive lines, stop at Washington's headquarters and explore huts fashioned after those that housed the ill equipped troops. And, a carillon concert caps off ceremonies at the park's Memorial Chapel.Many national battlefields and parks will be the backdrop for reenactments of early military life. So wherever your holiday getaway takes you, there's bound to be the makings of Memorial Day memories.
Enjoy!
