Memorial Day Builds: A Tribute Weekend in the Workshop

Memorial Day weekend means a lot of things to a lot of people. For many, it's the unofficial start of summer — cookouts, time with family, long weekends at the lake. But underneath all of that, it's a day of remembrance. A day to honor the men and women who gave everything so we could have the freedom to live our lives, spend time with the people we love, and yes — build things in our garages and shops.

This year, I'm dedicating my Memorial Day workshop session to that spirit. Here's how I'm spending the weekend, and some ideas if you want to join me.

Build Something That Lasts

One of the most meaningful things a craftsperson can do is build something that outlasts them — something that gets handed down, used for decades, and carries memories. This weekend, consider starting a project with that intention. A keepsake box. A family heirloom cutting board. A bench that your kids will use long after you're gone.

Building with purpose hits different. Trust me.

Patriotic Project Ideas for the Weekend

If you want to make something holiday-appropriate, here are a few ideas that are achievable in a weekend:

• Flag display box — Build a simple shadow box for a folded flag. Clean lines, glass front, felt interior. A deeply meaningful project that any veteran's family would treasure.

• Wooden American flag — Pallet wood or reclaimed boards, cut into stripes, stained alternating red and natural, with a painted star field. These look incredible and the material cost is nearly nothing.

• Outdoor bench — Something sturdy enough to seat a few people at a cookout, simple enough to finish in two days.

• Yard game set — Cornhole, ladder toss, or ring toss. Great for the cookout crowd and satisfying to build.

The Grill and the Bench

Here's my actual plan: mornings in the shop, afternoons at the grill. There's nothing wrong with splitting your time. Put in a few focused hours on a meaningful build, then fire up the coals and enjoy the weekend with your people.

That balance is exactly what this holiday is about — remembering that the reason we get to enjoy these simple pleasures is because people sacrificed so we could.

A Moment of Gratitude

To anyone who has lost someone in service to this country — thank you. And to anyone who has served — we remember, and we're grateful.

Enjoy your weekend, make something meaningful, and don't forget to share your builds in the comments. Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Memorial Day.