My favorite Memorial Day activity is to attend our annual Civil War Re-Enactment. Sure, I live in the Inland Northwest and, as far as history books are concerned, we have no real claim to the war, but I loves me some historical re-enacting. Annual Renaissance Fair? Check. Civil War Re-Enactment? Done. Scottish Highland Games? My heart already palpitates in anticipation.
What's interesting about my obsession with these types of events is that I have no desire to partcipate—only to watch. I love their costumes and their passion and the idea that (for the Civil War re-enactors, at least) they spend almost every weekend out of the year dedicating themselves to this hobby. Entire families take part, new families are formed in the process, and the weddings to celebrate these unions are full-on period-costume-only-affairs. (I've never been to a wedding like this, but if you are having one and send me an invite, I promise to bring a nice gift.)
The Civil War Re-Enactment is nice because it combines a little live-action role playing with the somber nature of Memorial Day. After the battle finishes, a group of hoop-skirted women do a quick ceremony in remembrance of those who gave their lives, and the bugler (who always survives these battles unscathed) plays Taps. It's the right amount of reverence and kick-ass-be-costumed awesomeness to make a great day out for the whole family. (And yes, I make my family come with me every time. See how much my daughter loves it?)
IMPORTANT UPDATE: In looking up local LARP groups, I came across a Spokane Firefly LARP. Are you kidding me? These people rule.