Memorial Day in HOA communities allows residents to come together and honor fallen military heroes. Board members should take this opportunity to organize activities that foster a sense of community while celebrating the true meaning of the holiday.
Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in HOA Communities
Memorial Day honors the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The federal holiday falls on the last Monday of May, so it is often seen as the start of summer.
Many people celebrate Memorial Day in their own ways. In HOA communities, Memorial Day is a good time to organize events and activities promoting camaraderie while honoring fallen heroes.
Here’s how to celebrate Memorial Day in HOA neighborhoods.
1. Decorate Common Areas
Patriotic decorations help create a respectful atmosphere and get residents in the right mood. Board members can hang American flags and banners in common areas and line sidewalks with mini flags. They should also encourage residents to do the same by decorating their homes.
That said, it’s important to follow the HOA’s flag and decoration rules. Additionally, everyone should adhere to the U.S. Flag Code. Flags should never touch the ground. Residents and HOAs should also display them properly at half-staff until noon.
2. Plan a Flag-Raising Ceremony
A flag-raising ceremony can bring the community together in a powerful way. To organize one, board members should choose a central location such as the clubhouse lawn or a park area. Make sure that all residents have access to this space.
Next, board members should send out invitations and post announcements well ahead of time. This will give residents a chance to block out their calendars, especially since Memorial Day weekend is a popular vacation period. Everyone should gather at the flag-raising area early in the morning.
Additionally, the HOA board should ensure that someone familiar with flag protocol leads the event. This way, they can raise the flag and display it correctly. On Memorial Day, the flag should be raised to half-staff and then to full-staff at noon. Apart from the flag-raising, the ceremony can include a moment of silence, patriotic music, and even a short reading.
3. Watch the National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade takes place in Washington, DC, every year. While thousands go to Constitution Avenue to watch everything unfold, countless more don’t have the means or time to make it. This is the case for most HOAs.
Fortunately, PBS broadcasts the National Memorial Day Parade live every year. The HOA can host a live stream of the parade in a common area with a large enough screen for everyone to see. The parade features marching bands, military groups, and Gold Star families.
The HOA should provide chairs and other seating arrangements to make the event even more enticing and comfortable. Refreshments, snacks, and shaded areas (if outdoors) are also good ideas.
4. Host a Parade of Your Own
An HOA can also organize its own Memorial Day parade. Children can decorate bikes and wagons, and residents can walk with flags or photos of loved ones who served.
Golf communities can decorate golf carts in red, white, and blue. If there’s room in the budget, floats can even make an appearance. The parade can go through the streets of the neighborhood or circle a park.
Boards should map the route ahead of time and announce the event early to encourage attendance. Committees and volunteers can help guide participants or block off traffic. Furthermore, the board can invite local veterans to ride in the front or speak at the end of the parade.
5. Have a Memorial Day Service
Hosting a community-wide Memorial Day service encourages everyone to reflect on the holiday. This service can include readings of names, short speeches, and even performances by local musicians or choirs. To close the program, people can observe a moment of silence and play “Taps.”
Board members should choose a peaceful venue for this service. It’s also important to provide seating, shade, and water, so everyone can remain comfortable. Additionally, it’s a good idea to invite local veterans’ groups and clergy to participate.
6. Hold a Memorial Day Charity Run
If residents want something more active for Memorial Day, a charity run or walk is a great way to do it. A Memorial Day charity run or walk promotes both remembrance and good health.
Residents can register for a small fee, and the HOA can open donations. Proceeds should, of course, go to a veterans’ organization or other similar charities.
To plan this event, make sure to set up a simple course around the neighborhood. There should be water stations to keep participants hydrated. The HOA can even allocate funds to purchase medals to award participants.
As with other events, it is important to promote this one early. Use social media, bulletin boards, notices, and the community website. It’s also good to announce the event at board meetings. This will increase attendance considerably.
7. Volunteer
Memorial Day is a great time to give back. Associations boards can partner with local veterans’ groups or charities to offer volunteer opportunities. Residents can help place flags at cemeteries through organizations like The American Legion or the VFW.
Others can write letters to deployed soldiers with Operation Gratitude. Local VA hospitals often welcome volunteers for meal delivery or companionship visits, too. Children can also draw thank-you cards for military families.
Board members should share these options in advance. This will give residents time to register and make arrangements. The HOA can also coordinate transportation if needed so that community members can go as a group.
8. Organize a Social Gathering
Since Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, community barbecues and pool parties are popular. That said, these summer activities shouldn’t be the sole focus of the holiday event. If possible, these activities can follow after more formal events such as a Memorial Day service, parade, or flag-raising ceremony.
Before serving the food, it’s also respectful to pause for a short tribute or moment of silence. During the event, attendees can share stories and display photos of service members. The HOA can also invite a veteran to speak at a barbecue before mingling with residents.
Board members should keep these events family-friendly and inclusive. To add more flair, the HOA can even set up activities such as patriotic crafts, flag trivia, and lawn games.
9. Educate and Encourage Residents
Education is important during Memorial Day. Residents should know about the holiday and the purpose behind it. Board members should use newsletters, bulletin boards, and social media to spread awareness. This can involve sharing facts about the holiday, tips on proper flag display, and stories of residents who have served.
Furthermore, the HOA board should encourage residents to celebrate the holiday in their way, especially if the HOA doesn’t have the budget to hold a community-wide event. Encourage parents to talk about the meaning of the holiday with their children. It also helps to offer resources for residents who want to learn more or get involved.
Two Birds With One Stone
Memorial Day in HOA communities is more than just a long weekend. It’s a time to honor sacrifice, build connection, and reflect on freedom. Through simple acts, HOAs can help preserve the day’s meaning while simultaneously bringing neighbors together for a shared event.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Look Out For These Unenforceable HOA Rules In Texas
- HOA Terms, Acronyms, Abbreviations And Definitions
- Are Condo Pets Allowed? Can The HOA Ban Them?