Memorial Day Remembrance and Celebration

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

Memorial Day is now a day to honor all American military service people from all wars or conflicts. It is now celebrated by 49 of the 50 states; Alabama is the only state that chooses to celebrate their Confederate Memorial Day on the 4th Monday in April.

Here are a few great ways to celebrate and honor service people and our own bodies:

MEMORIAL DAY MORNING 1 MILE
How would you like a shorter competition run, and celebrate Memorial Day on Memorial Day? It happens in Raytown on Monday, May 25, called the 1st Memorial Morning One Mile.

The course is a Figure Eight loop in Colman-Livengood Park, at 59th & Lane Avenue. Chris Cakes welcomes you through the Finish Line, to relax and watch the rest of the heats compete. Runners eat FREE, and all others can dine for $6 a person. Only 200 runners allowed, for at 9:30am we reserve the trail for the fitness walkers, all free, as they Walk For The Health Of It! The Raytown Polished Brass Band entertains us with classic tunes. Then begins the Memorial Ceremony on the hilltop Peace Plaza, a dedicated site for all war veterans.
Register on SportKC.org or BJtheDJ.com.

Grab some healthy fruits and veggies at the Farmers' Market, The City Market, 20 E. 5th Street, Suite 201, KCMO 64106; 6am-4pm; Admission: Free; Parking: Free; 816-842-1271; http://www.thecitymarket.org/

May 23- Honoring the American Soldier, Fort Osage, Sibley, Missouri; 9am- 4:30pm; Adults - $7.00; Youth - $4.00; Seniors - $3.00; The historic significance of Fort Osage presents a unique background as staff and volunteers honor our American Soldier. Accurately attired interpreters will represent soldiers from 1790 through 2000. Special exhibits of weapons and uniforms will help the visitor better understand the life and sacrifices of the American Soldier; (816) 503-4860; fortosage@jacksongov.org

Get some exercise by swimming!!! May 23-Oceans of Fun Season Opening; The largest outdoor water park in the Midwest begins its summer season; http://www.worldsoffun.com/.

Unwind and destress while walking through gardens. May 23-25-Kids are Free! Weekend, Powell Gardens, 1609 NW U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061; 9am-6pm; Admission: $8/adults and $7/seniors; Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, where admission is waived for children 12 and under. Explore the Island Garden and Living Wall, Rock & Waterfall Garden, Perennial Garden, Iris Hill and more. Bring cameras and swimsuits for splashing through the Fountain Garden. Café Thyme is open for lunch; 816-697-2600; http://www.powellgardens.org/

Enjoy patriotic music! May 24-Celebration at the Station Symphony Concert, Thousands gather at Union Station for this free patriotic musical salute by the Kansas City Symphony that concludes with fireworks over the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial ; http://www.kcsymphony.org/

Relive history. May 24-25- Vintage Military Vehicle Display, Southeast Lawn, National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, 100 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108; Get directions; 9am – 5pm; The Military Vehicle Preservation Association displays vintage military vehicles on the southeast lawn and their members are available to answer your questions about their collection. Displays will include Jeeps, tanks and other vehicles from World War II, Korea and Vietnam; (816) 784-1918

May 25-Memorial Day at Liberty Memorial (the National World War I Museum), 100 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108; http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/9:30am-Memorial Day Observance Ceremony. The outdoor ceremony begins at 9:30am with a color guard parade and includes performances by the American Legion Band, dedication of newly installed Walk of Honor bricks and a keynote address by Iraq War veteran LTC John L. “Lanier” Ward. The Museum will open immediately following the ceremony (approximately 11am). Normal admission charges apply throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Free parking and shuttle service are available on May 25 from the parking lots off of Grand & 27th Streets from 8am to 4pm

Remember being healthy includes relaxing, spending time with friends and family, remembering our past and preparing for a fit future.

Have a great weekend and Eat Intentionally!