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Angela In America: Memorial Day Weekend Madness — And Taking a Minute to Remember
From Gucci loafers to gridlock, Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons is a spectacle all its own.
The Great Hamptons Scramble
The rush to get everything open and ready for Memorial Day weekend is upon us: sunscreen, grill cleaner, new beach towels, beach passes, pool cushions out, decks power-washed, and a mad dash to King Kullen to stock up on hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, vegan dogs, and all the gluten-free fixings.
It’s a busy time.
In the Hamptons, there’s the added ritual of pulling out your best Lilly Pulitzer cocktail dress and Gucci loafers to make a stylish statement while making the rounds at what feels like 100 kickoff parties happening all at once.
From wild dance parties to elegant cocktail soirées and private red, white and blue barbecues on impossibly green lawns (seriously, how do they get them that lush this early in the season?), there’s no shortage of events vying for your attention.
The Migration East
Unpredictable Memorial Day weekend weather never seems to deter anyone heading east.
This three-day holiday marking the unofficial start of summer — after an undeniably brutal winter and a wildly unpredictable spring — is a force of nature all its own. Wind, rain, cold, and even the gloomiest MDW forecast won’t stop the migration, nor will the mind-numbing traffic the holiday inevitably brings.
One glimpse of the ocean or a drive down a back-road farmland stretch, and you instantly forget your fury over someone’s decision to repave Route 27 East or shut down a lane or two on the Long Island Expressway for major repairs.
On.
Memorial Day.
Weekend.
And let’s not forget sky-high gas prices.
While much of the country is mourning the pain at the pump, people in the Hamptons are literally pumped for the holiday. Gas could hit $10 a gallon and, honestly, who would care?
Round Swamp is open, and those berry muffins and chicken salad are waiting.
Andiamo!
Of course, the true meaning of this national holiday, observed on the last Monday in May, is far more meaningful than traffic woes, parties, gourmet food, or fireworks.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect and honor American military personnel who died while serving in the line of duty.
Technically, we’re not even supposed to say “Happy Memorial Day,” as it is intended to be a solemn day of mourning and remembrance.
And yet Memorial Day — originally known as Decoration Day — has, for the most part, become a full-blown celebration.
It’s the summer kickoff.
The start of rental season.
A time to reconnect with friends who’ve been hibernating all winter.
A signal of brighter weather and better days ahead.
That’s fine, too.
A good excuse to spring into action.
But the holiday’s deeper significance deserves our attention.
We all know this, of course — that those who served deserve more than a minute. Sometimes it’s much easier to head to TJ Maxx and scour the aisles for red, white and blue barbecue tongs, a stars-and-stripes cocktail shaker, or a patriotic garden gnome.
While we all get swept up in the hoopla surrounding Memorial Day weekend, there are meaningful opportunities across the East End to reflect on those who served our country — and those who died doing so.
Southampton Village Memorial Day Parade
The annual parade and formal procession remains one of the East End’s most significant tributes to veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
East Hampton’s “Lost at Sea” Ceremony
Held at Main Beach at 9 a.m., this moving tradition honors those lost while serving our country.
Sag Harbor’s Memorial Day Procession
Perhaps the most quintessential hometown parade of them all, Sag Harbor’s procession — with flags waving, children smiling, and neighbors lining the streets — is a reminder of why so many of us feel fortunate to call America home.
[Get full parade details here, along with Spark Hamptons’ complete Memorial Day Weekend Guide.]
Before the Weekend Gets Away From Us …
Be safe this weekend, and enjoy your friends and family while taking a minute to mark the occasion.
Not everything on your to-do list will get done.
You may miss a party.
All will be well.
As my flag-waving mom would say:
“Be present to the moment. Take in the sky. Listen to the quiet.”
