While Memorial Day gets buzz as a day of sales and public pool openings, the reality is the holiday is a day of remembrance. Memorial Day stands to remember those who have fallen while serving in the country's armed forces. Visiting one of the area's many memorials is the perfect way to observe this holiday. While you could merely visit to pay your respects, the fact is that most of the South Sound's memorials are located in parks and green spaces. Bring along a picnic, find a spot in the grass and spend some time remembering those who have gone before. Spending time at a memorial this way transforms a short visit into a family activity and a memory.
 
Olympia Capitol Campus (on Capitol Way in Olympia between 14th and 11th Ave. S.)
There are many memorials located throughout Tacoma and Olympia (and even more in Seattle), but no collection of memorials holds a candle to the Capitol campus in Olympia. Surrounding the Capitol are open fields dotted with memorials to all of the major wars and conflicts. Find a name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, stand in awe of the Winged Victory Monument for World War I, and view many other memorials and public artwork installations (seventeen in all). Make a day of it and take a tour of the Capitol as well.

Just near the campus, you'll find Wagner's Bakery and Meconi's Italian Subs - both are excellent spots to grab a bite to eat for a planned or impromptu picnic. Kick back on a bench overlooking the memorials, or wander a bit farther into the Capitol campus toward Capitol Lake where you'll find some walking trails.
 
War Memorial Park (just off 6th and N. Skyline Dr., Tacoma)
Tacoma's War Memorial Park is far smaller than the Capitol Campus, and yet is home to memorials dedicated to all the major U.S. conflicts and wars. Rather than towering statues in expansive spaces, the memorials here are smaller and tucked into nooks along the walking paths. Between the paths is a patch of green space where you can bring a blanket and sit with a meal, and there are picnic tables and benches at some of the memorials as well.

Parking for the park is just off of Sixth Avenue, but if you walk all the way through the park, you'll come to the Narrows Bridges. If you seek an after-picnic stroll, the bridges have amazing views of the water!

Puyallup Pioneer Park (333 S. Meridian, Puyallup)
Located in Pioneer Park in downtown Puyallup, the Veterans Memorial is dedicated to all veterans. A statue of a soldier reaching down to visitors is surrounded by plaques and a brick courtyard just off of Meridian. The memorial has sitting space for a quiet moment of reflection, and not far off is plenty of grassy open field where you can relax with a snack. Like downtown Olympia, Puyallup's downtown has lots of options to grab a bite to eat so you don't even have to worry about bringing a picnic basket if you don't want to.

If you prefer the park quiet, come on a weekday. If you don't mind a little more activity, visit the park on Saturday morning or afternoon from April to October. The Puyallup Farmers' Market is on then, which means even more fresh picnic options as well as plenty of arts, crafts and vendors.

Memorial Day is May 25, 2015.