Philadelphia Ranks In The Top 10 Places To Recognize Memorial Day

Philadelphia ranks in the top 10 places to recognize Memorial Day.

While the Memorial Day holiday weekend has evolved into an unofficial kickoff of summer, the national holiday on the last Monday in May commemorates the men and women who have lost their lives serving in the United States armed forces.

According to Sixt, Richmond, Virginia, and Washington D.C. held the top two spots. America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, earned the third spot thanks to its 12 war memorials, 5,483 veteran-owned businesses, and notable museum exhibitions.

The rich history of the city of Philadelphia is on full display at major landmarks like Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House, but other historical treasures hold an even deeper connection to the holiday.

Washington Square rests just a few blocks away from Independence Hall. It became an effectual graveyard during the American Revolution and in the early days of the United States.

In 1954, it became home to the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” to honor George Washington and all the casualties of the American Revolution.

The famous line from Washington’s farewell address in 1796 is carved on the inside of the tomb. 

The city of Philadelphia also honors the African American military men with the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors.

The memorial originally stood in West Fairmount Park in 1934. However, the city decided to move it to the Ben Franklin Parkway in 1994 to give it a more central and recognizable location.

The year 2023 also marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, and the 240th anniversary of the end of the American Revolution.

Honor the bravery of these fallen men and women with a history lesson in the neighborhoods of the city of Philadelphia this Memorial Day.

Pennsylvania is a great travel destination, and that's true for people living outside the state or locals who want to explore their home state a little bit more. Now, one Pennsylvania attraction has been named the No. 1 attraction not to be missed in the state.

AttractionsofAmerica.com has put together a list of the top attractions in the state. Additionally, they point out some of the attractions, stating, "History buffs can't skip a trip to Philadelphia to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where our country truly began. There is no shortage of things to do in Pennsylvania to suit all tastes and interests. You can head to small artistic towns to explore culture, history, and natural landscapes or visit larger cities for sports, museums, and nightlife."

If you're wondering, before we get to No. 1, the runner-up for the best attraction not to be missed in Pennsylvania is the Gettysburg National Military Park. "Artifacts and more are available for viewing at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center," AttractionsofAmerica.com states. "Escorted tours of the Battlefield are recommended on a bus, or in your car with a guide. There are many events in the park and the museum."

So, what's No. 1? Read on. It's a familiar spot. If you've never been there before, now is your chance. Find the full list here. Is there another spot you think should be No. 1?

AttractionsofAmerica.com ranks Hersheypark as the No. 1 attraction not to be missed in Pennsylvania. "Although we all associate the name Hershey with candy, Hersheypark is even sweeter," they state. "Enjoy more than a dozen roller coasters, 20 kids rides, 65 other rides, and enticing activities. Take home a bit of the exhilarating day with you from the retail emporium. See shows and concerts."

https://www.hersheypark.com/

Hersheypark is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, according to their official website. "Hersheypark® was originally created by Milton S. Hershey as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory," they state. "Today, our family amusement park in Central Pennsylvania, complete with 15 thrilling roller coasters & a larger-than-life water park, welcomes guests from around the world to experience Hersheypark Happy® all year long!"

Hersheypark really offers attractions year-round, so if you can't make it there in the summer, there's something for you. They have
Spring Weekends, Summer Season, Hersheypark Halloween and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. The latter offers "festive family fun at our seasonal event" and "more than 5 million twinkling lights from the top of a coaster, visit Santa and all 9 of his reindeer and more!"