It’s Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, and to guarantee you get a great start to the season we’ve assembled this collection of summery GIFS! You’re going to have the best summer of your life and it all starts here!

Before we get to the sunny frivolity we have to remember that Memorial Day is the date to remember our fallen soldiers and to take pride in those who are serving now.

Keep this aspect of the day in mind as you head out to enjoy the sun,

America! USA USA USA!!

Honor the fallen AND our vets AND get outside into the summer weather by starting the day at the Memorial Day Parade.

Now that you’ve done the serious part, get into some hardcore summering.

Memorial Day is especially associated with backyard grilling, so get that barbecue set up and going,

And throw a BBQ party that your friends and family will be talking about for years to come:

Don’t get lost in the art of the grill,

Make sure you have fun with it!

And don’t be afraid to knock back maybe a few too many back yard brewskies, today is the day 😉

Also this might be the most patriotic GIF ever created:

Naturally there’s more to the day than just grilling up some burgers,

Drive to the beach, it’s time, beach season is here!

Go swimming, the water’s even warm enough now.

Or get up to shenanigans and fun in the sand,

Bring a boom box and throw yourself a sandy dance party,

Or best of all just relax and sunbathe.

Or if there’s no beach close to you that means its time for the park. Discover the simple joys of flying a kite,

And follow it up with a picnic with friends.

Be sure to get your chill time in, as people run around playing Frisbee or flying their kites, relax to the max,

And read a book or nap.

Now that the greatest summer there ever will be has begun we only have one thing left to say: