Memorial Day 2017

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember the heroes who fought and died for our country. And it is a family holiday that kicks off summer. Here are a few ideas for doing both of those things this Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29).

Start off Sunday at the first barbecue of the year at Eagle Leather. We’re famous for our summer barbecues, when Mike and the staff grill hot dogs and hamburgers starting about noon. We serve them with soft drinks and coffee until all the food is gone, or until 4 p.m. (whichever comes first). Bring the whole family!

Our Eagle Leather barbecues are a great way to meet other motorcycle enthusiasts and the crew here at Eagle Leather. If you like, get together a group, meet to eat, and then have a group ride.

Sunday would also be a great day to take the family to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (after our BBQ, of course). Sheruff Bones the dog and his zoo animal friends will astonish and educate you in a live-animal show about having fun in the great outdoors while taking care of nature. The shows run through the day at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater.

When the show is over (or before it starts) stroll through the exhibit and see sharks, penguins, seahorses and other creatures of the sea as well as elephants, tigers, clouded leopards, polar bears and lots more. As you tour the exhibits, keep an eye out for keepers taking animals for a walk. The zoo is a national leader in captive breeding and reintroduction of the endangered red wolf and also helps other endangered species.

Parking is free and admission fees are reasonable.

On Monday, remind your children about the purpose of the holiday. The Tacoma Historical Society is unveiling two new memorials at Tacoma’s War Memorial Park between 6th and MacArthur at 11 a.m.

One memorial is for the Korean War, the other is for the Vietnam War. The names of Tacoma residents who gave their lives are inscribed on black granite. The stones will join the memorials for WWI, WWII, and other monuments in the park. Representatives of the Washington National Guard and Joint Base Lewis-McChord will speak and American Legion Post #2 is co-sponsoring.

Remember to check the Eagle Leather Ride Guide for group rides in our neighborhood. A group ride is a great way to meet people, and many of them have a charitable component as well.