MBA in the USA – Cultural consulting by Grayson Leverenz

image: Beverly & Pack

Brandon and I are going to have to celebrate Independence Day a little early this year. My cousin, Sarah, is getting married on the actual day, but I can’t let my favorite holiday pass by without a proper celebration.

Click here to learn more about the history of Independence Day. 

image: Matt McGee

updated for 2010

The last Monday of May marks the federal holiday known as Memorial Day when Americans recognize the ultimate sacrifice of our men and women that died in combat. The tradition of adorning graves and memorials with wreaths dates back to the time just after the Civil War when the holiday was known as Decoration Day. Decoration Day served to cherish the memory of fallen soldiers by beautifying their graves with flowers and wreaths. Though Memorial Day is a somber occasion, it has evolved to include the joyous aspects marking the beginning of the summer season.

Here are 3 ways to enjoy a meaningful Memorial Day:

1. Honor.
Pay tribute to the fallen soldiers by experiencing one of the Memorial Day ceremonies or attending a parade honoring Veterans.

At 11am EDT on Monday May 31st Arlington National Cemetery hosts a wreath-laying ceremony and concert at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. It will be publicized on major television networks.

At 2pm EDT, the National Memorial Day Parade kicks off in Washington, DC. The parade features marching bands and Veterans units from all 50 states, and will also be covered on major television networks.

Check newspapers or websites for times of local ceremonies and parades where you can pay respect in your area.

2. Serve.
While military service does not call to everyone, you can make a difference in your community with local service. Volunteering with Veterans, children, animals, or any cause that speaks to you, allows you can contribute in a meaningful way.

Click here for a link to VolunteerMatch.org, an organization that matches volunteers with opportunities.

3. Live.
The reason behind the fighting is to ensure we have the freedom to live beautiful lives. With that in mind, you can better appreciate the Memorial Day evolution that includes the “official” start of summer. People open pools that have been covered all winter, go the beach for the first time of the year, and host backyard barbecues for friends and family.

Brandon and I like to celebrate with a few American favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie.

updated for 2010

by: Grayson Leverenz

Easter is a holiday that melds many traditions: Pagan, Christian, and National. In the US, people celebrate Easter in different ways.

For practicing Christians, Easter represents the holiest day of the year, the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead after being crucified.

For some, Easter welcomes the yearly birth of spring with symbols like flowers, colored eggs, and baby chicks.

For others, Easter calls families to the table for feasts of baked ham, sweet potatoes, and vegetables.

Most Americans combine parts of the traditions above into their own unique celebrations. When I was growing up, the most common pieces of Easter Sunday were baskets filled with Easter eggs and candy, an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and the traditional family meal.

To experience a traditional US Easter try the following:

• Dye Easter eggs. My family always used Paas Easter Egg kits when I was growing up.
• Indulge in a chocolate bunny. Here’s a list of the top 9 sources according to about.com Gourmet Food.
• Have an Easter Egg hunt. Hide the eggs you dyed, and have a cool prize, like Peeps, for the person that finds the most eggs. (note, the Peeps website has uninvited music; so mute your volume if necessary before clicking).
• Prepare an Easter Feast. Here’s a link to the Food Network Easter menu.
• Buy new, Easter dresses or outfits for spring, and capture the memory with a family photo. 

For more on the history of Easter, click here.

by: Grayson Leverenz
updated for 2010

Americans love the movies. We love the stars. We love the stories. We love the surround sound. We love the movies so much in fact we spent over $10 billion at the box office in 2009, and that doesn’t include the popcorn.

Enjoy the show!