Honoring Heroes, Celebrating Freedom, and Uniting Through Sports
We all know summer is cookin’ when it’s time to take time out of our lives and honor our fallen soldiers over Memorial Day weekend.
Some people have cookouts, others take the boat out or go camping and finishing, but many Americans celebrate the Holiday weekend the ol’ American way–– at a sporting event.
If you haven’t been to a ball game over Memorial Weekend, then put it on your bucket list because when they take a moment before the game to honor the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, it will send chills down your spin.
If you can’t physically be there, no problem. You can tune in from your couch while crushing some hotdogs and pasta salad.
Must-See Sports Lineup for Memorial Day Weekend
Indy 500: Sunday, 12:45 p.m. ET
The Indy 500 used to be THE event over the Memorial Day Holiday. Now, the race competes with NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, soccer, golf, tennis, NFL off-season workouts and of course, baseball. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time to tune into the final laps and catch a glimpse of another possible historic finish.
While the Indy 500 may no longer be the biggest event over the Holiday weekend, it’s the one that honors our soldiers like no other sport. One of the most notable traditions at the Indy 500 is the playing of “Taps” before the race begins as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: All Weekend
The Stanley Cup conference finals will be happening all weekend long but Game 6 for the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars is on Monday. Game 5 for the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes is on Sunday night
I am not much of a hockey fan but it could be fun to fake it since I like the Stars’ jerseys. If you’re watching the game, you will see an amazing vocalist singing the National Anthem in a dimmed stadium and a moment of silence to honor the fallen. Always sublime.
5/26/92: A young Christina Aguilera sings the National Anthem before Game 1 of the 1992 Stanley Cup Final between the #Pittsburgh #Penguins and the #Chicago #Blackhawks at the Civic Arena!#LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/vevy6nCmY7
— 1986-92 Pittsburgh Pirates (@1992Pirates) November 27, 2022
NBA Playoffs: All Weekend
Just like the NHL playoffs, the NBA’s conference finals wrap up over the Memorial Day weekend. The Denver Nuggets are headed to the finals after sweeping the Lakers while the Miami Heat are one game away from beating Boston Celtics to the finals.
And again, much like the NHL.. the NBA will have the best of the best vocalist all weekend singing the National Anthem and a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers.
MLB: All Weekend
You can catch your MLB favorite team in action all weekend long. Much like the Indy 500, the MLB puts a lot of extra work into how to honor the military during the Holiday weekend.
It’s a well-known tradition that all ballparks on Memorial Day Monday will pause at approximately 3 p.m. local time in observance of the moment.
In-game action will pause to observe an extended moment of silence, while clubs not in action at 3 p.m. local time will see a brief moment of silence prior to the National Anthem.
In addition to a moment of silence, MLB personnel, including umpires, will wear the traditional Memorial red poppy on the left side of their jerseys with “Lest We Forget” embroidered. A lot of teams also have fireworks scheduled following night games.
On Memorial Day we will see each #MLB team playing wear a poppy patch on their jersey with “LEST WE FORGET” across on a ribbon.
This is perfect.
More photos and details here: https://t.co/3a7uw8c1dh pic.twitter.com/PoWTJFvMz7
— Chris Creamer (@sportslogosnet) April 12, 2019
NFL: Off Season
The NFL may be enjoying their off season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be honoring our heroes in their own way on Memorial Day. Thanks to social media, it’s hard for any observed holiday to go unrecognized.
You’ll likely see your favorite NFL player tweeting to thank our heroes. The league also puts together a special video for Memorial Day.
This #MemorialDay, the NFL honors service members who have given their lives for our country. We will never forget their sacrifice. #SaluteToService #KnowYourMil pic.twitter.com/leR1jwg1LV
— NFL (@NFL) May 25, 2020
When you’re watching your favorite sport or enjoying some family time this weekend, remember to take a moment to remember why we get to enjoy the things we do!
