Memorial Day weekend is usually full of beach or pool fun, picnics and family getting together to grill out. But for others, and the reason for the holiday, it’s a day to remember those who have been lost in the military. So how do you propose on a day like this, especially if you have a connection to the core of it? Here are a few ideas.

1. Graveyard visit. I’m not sure I would recommend proposing in the graveyard, but it would be very thoughtful to take your significant other to visit the grave of the person she’s lost in the military, whether it be her father, mother, grandfather, brother, or best friend. Be there for her as she remembers and misses, and after the visit tell her you wish you could have known that person (if you didn’t), and how you hope he/she would approve of you marrying his/her [daughter/friend/sister/granddaughter].

2. Picnic Fun. Memorial Day should not be solemn, but instead should celebrate the lives of those lost. Have a picnic and take part in the festivities, remembering to take time and share good stories of the fallen. When the time is right, pop the question when it’s just the two of you– or in front of whoever you may be spending the day with.

3. In Memorium. Do something, whether it’s donate to have the name of the fallen put on a bench or stone, or planting a tree in his/her name. Surprise your significant other with this gesture, letting her know you know how much this means to her and how much it, therefore, means to you. This gesture is perfect to lead into a proposal, because you are letting her know that she’s always going to come first and be first in your thoughts/heart/actions.

Emily