Memorial Day weekend is a time for BBQ and family, and the first time most pools open for the summer. People remind us this time of year that Memorial Day is not a day for BBQ, but to honor the fallen soldiers. As a military veteran, I can vouch that the military is pretty big about honoring all holidays with a community event and a 3 day weekend.  Just make sure you don't forget the soldiers in your prayers and events.

Here is a round up of material to help you plan your Memorial Day Weekend with your loved ones. As usual, I aimed for quick and easy ideas.

Please enjoy this weekend. Our soldiers didn't die for you to grieve. They died for you to embrace your freedom and liberties.

Deep South Dish has thought of everything in their collection of southern recipes, from sweet tea to BBQ Chicken.

BBQ Pit Boys has a BBQ style recipe for almost everything. Check out their site and add some zing to  your traditional BBQ. Pictured here, whiskey burgers.

You may not be able to spend Memorial day on an exotic beach of Hawaii, but you can bring Hawaii's flavor to your backyard and imagine a beach. Cooking with Curls's Traditional Hawaiian Potato Salad.

Lemon Tree Dwelling can bring a dish to your cookout just in case the rest of the food isn't something to wake up for.

This totally beats the idea of paprika and dill. It has paprika in it, so it's still very traditional. Full recipe here.

The chocolate sauce has rum and whipping cream in it. Get the full recipe here. 

Two Sisters Crafting came up with this easy idea. Add a little blue food coloring to your cool whip, and serve with strawberries and pound cake or angel food cake. Easy buttons include purchasing cake from the bakery or boxed cake. Festive, but not much effort. AND DELICIOUS.

How easy is this? From The Sisters' Cafe. Dip strawberries into white chocolate and then dip the tip into a bowl of sugar mixed with blue food coloring.

Wit and Whistle gave us this brilliant idea. Cut out watermelon with a star cookie cutter, add some strawberries and blue berries...

American Flag Mason Jar Votives

Michael's Craft Store gave us this nifty little decoration idea.

Infarrantly Creative's method for making this board sounds easy enough. You can do almost any design or colors. Any message, like "Land of the free because of the brave."

If creating a painted block is too time consuming this close to the game, try a free printable to frame thanks to How to Nest for Less.

Dollar Store Crafts: Wrap bandannas around a foam wreath with twist ties, smear some glue and modge podge on the edges to avoid drooping,  and glue on some stars.

Blooming Homestead has this easy paper wreath to make. You can spray it with acrylic sealer to make it last longer.

No. 2 Pencil has a really easy idea to spruce up a piece of wood with glitter tape. You could use almost any washi tape.

Giggles Galore fun messy craft for kids. These are almost fail proof, you can display them in many fun ways, like tie to ribbon and garland across something. Make your kid proud with your pride in their crafts.

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