Memorial Day may be a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that does not mean the celebration has to be any different. There are still plenty of ways to celebrate and honor our heroes while at home with our family.

So grab your red, white, and blue and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect our country.

First, it’s always a good reminder as to the reason we celebrate Memorial Day – Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War; Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. Here are a few ways to pay respects while at home:

Visit Cemeteries or Memorials

Pay tribute to those who served by visiting a nearby cemetery. Place flags and flowers on the graves and honor those who have fought for our country. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family and honor the meaning and history of the holiday.

Pause at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day
In accordance with the National Moment of Remembrance resolution, which was passed in 2000, pause from whatever you are doing at this time to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom to all.

Watch the National Memorial Day Concert
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will not be held to ensure the health and safety of all involved. However, the event will still air just a bit differently this year. The concert is a moving tribute to the fallen and their families.

This year’s concert takes place on Sunday, May 24 at 8 p.m. and is broadcast on PBS. Visit here for local listings.

A few fun ways to celebrate with your family and still follow social distancing requirements: