Here is a list I compiled of some fantastic places where one can spend some time during the unofficial start to the summer season. Let's not forget all those folks who have lost their lives for our country in order for us to live how we want to and pray for those who are currently abroad or at home serving the United States of America.
1) Washington D.C
Get out to the nation's capitol! Check out the museums and monuments. Pay tribute to our fallen soldiers at the World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War, and Iwo Jima Monuments. Visit America's largest burial ground, Arlington National Cemetery. If you are into some other things you can try the Botanical Garden (my personal favorite) and the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.
2) USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Who can forget how the United States was forced to enter World War II when our navy was ambushed by Japanese Kamikaze pilots at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. This would be the ultimate place to pay respects to our fallen soldiers. I have visited this site and it was a very solemn experience. I would recommend everyone visit this site if possible. They show a heart-wrenching video to the visitors before they put you on a boat to get to the actual site of the USS Arizona.
3) Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
The Black Hills of South Dakota are one of my favorite places that I have ever visited. The beauty and diversity that one can find in the landscape here is not comparable to any other. Visit one of our nation's most important pieces of artwork in Mount Rushmore and then take in a nice picnic lunch at Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills. Or if you are a bit more adventurous you can hike the tallest peak between the Rockies and the Pyrenees Mountains, called Harney Peak.
4) 9/11 Memorial - New York, New York
Although this memorial does not commemorate fallen soldiers it deserves a visit because of the significant impact this event has had on everyone's life in this country. The people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten in our minds and in our hearts. The brave workers in the World Trade Center including civilians, New York City Police, New York City Firefighters, God Bless You!
5) Boston Common Flag Display, Boston, Massachusetts
33,000 American flags will be on display in Boston Common this Memorial Day Weekend remembering all of the soldiers of Massachusetts who have lost their lives since the Civil War. What an amazing site it would be to see this many flags lined up. Don't forget to stop by Quincy market and the Boston Aquarium is a great place to visit (especially during bad weather).
6) Jones Beach Air Show, Wantagh, New York
Thousands of people will make their way out to Jones Beach on Long Island to celebrate the unofficial start of Summer. Bring a blanket, an umbrella, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the aerial festivities. You can sit right on the beach and the planes will fly directly over you. My favorite are the US Navy Blue Angels of course! Jones Beach Air Show for some more info in case you are interested....
7) Your Own Backyard, Anytown, USA
Tired of all the hustle and bustle? Why not spend a nice relaxing weekend in your backyard with some great family or at a friend's backyard grilling some burgers, hot dogs and throwing back a few cold ones. Put on a baseball game, or even play some baseball with your buddies. Maybe it is even warm enough for the first dip in the pool of the season (if you are brave!).
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