CALIFORNIA, Md. — As grills fire up and families gather across Southern Maryland this Memorial Day weekend, the holiday serves as more than the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the men and women of the U.S. military who died while serving the nation.
Originally known as Decoration Day following the Civil War, the observance began as a way for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Today, Memorial Day is recognized nationally on the last Monday in May and remains rooted in remembrance, reflection and gratitude for military sacrifice.
While backyard cookouts, waterfront gatherings and community events have become traditions for many families, veterans organizations encourage Americans to pause and reflect on the meaning behind the holiday. The National Moment of Remembrance, observed at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, asks Americans to take one minute to remember those who gave their lives in service.
Balancing Celebration With Reflection
For many families, Memorial Day weekend includes visits to cemeteries, parades, flag placements and ceremonies before transitioning into time spent with loved ones.
Hosting a cookout can become part of that tradition — gathering generations together while recognizing the freedoms military service members helped preserve.
Many events are held throughout St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties during the holiday weekend. Be sure to check out our “Things To Do In Southern Maryland May 22 Through May 28, 2026” article for a list of events.
Cookout Tips For The Best Memorial Day BBQ
Whether hosting a backyard gathering or heading to a pavilion near the water, preparation can make the difference between a stressful day and an enjoyable one.
1. Prep food the day before
- Marinate meats overnight.
- Wash and cut vegetables ahead of time.
- Portion burger toppings and condiments into containers.
2. Use two grilling zones
Keep one side of the grill hotter for searing and another cooler for slower cooking to avoid burning burgers or chicken.
3. Don’t skip a thermometer
Safe internal temperatures matter:
- Burgers: 160 F
- Chicken: 165 F
- Pork: 145 F plus rest time
4. Keep foods cold
May temperatures rise quickly. Perishable foods should not sit out longer than two hours — or one hour in high heat.
5. Add local flavors
Southern Maryland favorites can elevate cookouts:
- Crab dip appetizers
- Old Bay-seasoned corn on the cob
- Chesapeake-style shrimp skewers
- Locally caught fish
- Smith Island Cake for dessert
Easy Memorial Day Crowd Favorites
Classic BBQ Burgers
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and pepper
- Sliced cheese
- Brioche buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion
Tip: Avoid pressing burgers while cooking to keep juices inside.
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken
Marinate chicken with:
- Honey
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
Grill low and slow for caramelized flavor.
Foil-Pack Corn With Herb Butter
Wrap corn with:
- Butter
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Parmesan
- Old Bay seasoning
Place directly on grill 15-20 minutes.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Combine:
- Cubed watermelon
- Feta cheese
- Mint
- Cucumber
- Lime juice
Provides a lighter option alongside heavier BBQ foods.
Red, White and Blue Berry Trifle
Layer:
- Pound cake
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Whipped cream
Easy make-ahead dessert for larger groups.
Memorial Day Etiquette To Remember
Experts recommend keeping American flags displayed properly, lowering them to half-staff until noon on Memorial Day before raising them to full staff, and acknowledging veterans and Gold Star families with respect.
Even during celebrations, taking a moment to share stories of family members who served can help younger generations understand the significance of the holiday.
Best Places To Spend Memorial Day Weekend In Southern Maryland
For families looking to get outdoors after the cookout, Southern Maryland offers beaches, parks, trails and waterfront destinations.
Visit nature and hike:
- St. Mary’s River State Park — Popular for hiking, kayaking and picnics near the reservoir.
- Flag Ponds Nature Park — Beach access, fossil hunting and shark tooth searching make it a family favorite.
- Battle Creek Cypress Swamp — Boardwalk trails through one of Maryland’s unique ecosystems.
- Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center — Outdoor art, trails and family-friendly exhibits.
For water lovers:
- Endeavor Point — Kayaking, waterfront relaxation and camping experiences.
- Explore Solomons Island for restaurants, marinas and waterfront walks.
- Spend an afternoon near Leonardtown Wharf or the Patuxent River.
Memorial Day ceremonies and patriotic outings:
Check local veterans organizations, county governments and town pages for:
- Flag placement ceremonies
- Memorial observances
- Parades
- Community concerts
- Veterans tributes
A Final Thought
Memorial Day is often associated with smoke from the grill, long weekends and summer weather. But at its center remains something much deeper: remembering those who never came home.
Between the burgers, beach trips and family photos, taking even one quiet moment to honor fallen service members may be the most meaningful tradition of all.
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