Memorial Day in your community

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday remembering the men and women who have died during military service. All federal flags are flown at half mass on this day in honor of those who gave their lives to protect us. Many cemeteries will be having Memorial Day services, typically hosted by local VFWs or American Legions. Cities will often host parades or festivals, and many people will celebrate Memorial Day by enjoying picnics or outdoor gatherings with their friends and family.

 

There are several Memorial Day events to choose from in Sarasota and neighboring cities. To find out more about these listed and others, visit http://www.escape-to-sarasota.com/may-sarasota-events.html#sthash.nXHnTqkT.dpuf.

 

Sarasota Memorial Day Parade

Enjoy this hometown parade with a “Freedom isn’t Free” theme. Marching units will include the veteran service organizations, law enforcement agencies, fire department floor guards, and high school bands. This event starts at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Osprey Avenue and goes west along Main Street to Hamel Park, where there will be a Memorial Day ceremony after the parade.

 

Sarasota National Cemetery

On May 24, Sarasota National Cemetery will host an event in honor of Memorial Day with a special salute to Vietnam War veterans. There will be many musical performances and speakers to pay tribute to our veterans.

 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

In gratitude for their service, United States Armed Forces personnel will be honored and celebrated at Jungle Gardens on Memorial Day. Veterans and all active service military (with valid ID) receive free admission with the purchase of one adult or child’s regularly priced same-day admission.

 

Memorial Day recipe ideas

If your Memorial Day plans include a good old-fashioned picnic, we found a few easy and great tasting recipes for you!

Hawaiian Ham Sliders – These sandwiches are always great to bring to a picnic because you can make them ahead of time, and you can make a large batch if you have a crowd to feed. Plus, they can be served warm or cold.

2 packages of Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls

1 package of Sliced Deli Ham

12 slices of Swiss Cheese

½ cup melted butter

1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds

1 ½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1 teaspoon Onion powder

 

Slice top from rolls and place bottoms in baking pan. Layer ham and cheese on rolls. Replace tops. Combine butter, poppy seeds, mustard, Worcestershire, onion powder and mix well. Drizzle over rolls. Refrigerate until butter is firm or overnight. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until cheese melts. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes.

 

Potato Salad – This not-so-traditional version of the dish is perfect for a picnic because instead of the mayo-and-egg-type potato salads that have to be chilled, this potato salad is best served at room temperature.

3 pounds fingerling potatoes or Yukon gold, cut into large pieces

½ cup olive oil

3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper

1/3 red wine vinegar

3 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard

1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar

7 slices of cooked bacon cut into pieces

½ cup chopped green onions

 

Place cut potatoes in a cooking pot, cover with water and place lid on pot. Bring to a boil and cook potatoes until fork tender (about 12min.) To make the dressing, add the thyme, salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard and sugar into a jar with lid and shake to combine. Drain the cooked potatoes and place in a medium size bowl. Pour the dressing over the hot potatoes, add the bacon and onions then toss to coat. Lastly, eat and enjoy! (Serves 8)

 

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