Three Ways To Observe Memorial Day in Carroll Gardens

Memorial Day is a time to commemorate those who have fallen in service to the United States.

The official celebration of these heroes began in the 1860s after the Civil War, when wreaths were laid on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. The practice was fully recognized throughout the existing states by 1890.

Here are three ways to observe the holiday. 

You can honor the fallen, by placing wreaths or flowers at war memorials or grave sites. A community ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m. inside Carroll Park. All are welcome to attend.

You can attend a parade. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade hosted by the United Veterans of Kings County will begin at 11 a.m. in Bay Ridge and is attended by a host of community members and civic groups. Mingle with friends as marching bands, fire trucks, Boy and Girl Scouts, veterans, sports teams, and police and firefighters proceed ceremoniously through the town.  

You can relax among friends and family. Hosting a barbecue on Memorial Day Weekend has become a tradition in itself. To kickoff the unofficial beginning of summer in smoky style, here is a list of available locations to fire up the grill in public and safety tips to keep in mind.

Remember: If you decide to hang a flag on Memorial Day, it should never touch the ground and it should be flown at half-mast until noon.

This article includes reporting by Kathleen Reilly.