Mary Ann's Blog
Reflections on Memorial Day
May 26, 2025
Memorial Day is a sacred day when we pause to honor and remember those throughout our history who have served our country with great sacrifice, courage and commitment. First and foremost, this day is for them. As someone once remarked: “We don’t know them all but we owe them all.”
Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial start of the summer season, a time when seaside and country cottages shuttered over a long, cold winter are swept clean, windows are thrown open for that first rush of spring air and everything is in readiness for dreamy sunny days ahead. It is a time when antique and ice cream shops hang their “open for the season” signs again and there is a feeling of optimism and excitement as vacation plans are made.
Of course, there are the many family and friends gatherings that will take place with backyard barbeques, fireworks and parades. We will lay out a parade of “picnic” foods and one dish that is a must on the table, will be my father-in-law’s grilled hero hotdogs, each one housing slivers of sharp Cheddar cheese and each one wrapped in ribbons of bacon and grilled until the skin crackles and the cheese oozes and the bacon is crispy. It is hardly the healthiest offering…but it is a family tradition and once a year, in his honor, it is a special treat!
Other favorites like grilled sweet peppers and mushrooms are great go-togethers with chicken, hamburgers or grilled seafood. Don’t forget a really good potato salad but one that does not have to be cloaked in heavy mayonnaise but marinated in olive oil, with herbs and a hint of vinegar.
Everyone looks forward to dessert like rhubarb and strawberry crisp or cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream or a light angel food cake served with sliced fruit, or cool wedges of watermelon.
When everyone is gathered at the table decorated with American flags, we will reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and give thanks for the gift of freedom of our homeland so selflessly secured for us by the Brave.
Get Dad’s Bacon Wrapped Cheese Stuffed Hot Dogs recipe here.
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