Celebrity Memorial – From Kim Kardashian’s White Party appearance in 2008 to Jamie Lee Curtis’s armed-forces tribute in 2022, celebrities have used Memorial Day Weekend to share beach days, boat plans, and personal moments—alongside messages of gratitude.
Memorial Day Weekend has become a seasonal ritual, even for celebrities who typically spend their time under camera lights. Over the years. stars have posted throwback photos that map the holiday’s shift from “long weekend” energy into the first real stretch of summer—whether they’re heading to the beach. taking a trip. or honoring the people the day is meant to recognize.
Kim Kardashian opened her 2008 chapter with an event built for the holiday crowd. In May 2008, she attended the White Party to celebrate the long holiday weekend.
A decade later, Bella Hadid’s 2020 throwback leaned into warm-weather freedom. She shared photos of herself in a bikini and taking in the outdoors—an unmistakable kickoff to the warmer months.
For Tarek El Moussa, Memorial Day Weekend was already starting to feel like summer in 2021. Posting with his wife, Heather Rae, he captioned an Instagram moment: “Feels like summer,” adding, “Happy to say we’ll be spending this weekend relaxing and boating 🙏 What’s everyone up to for MDW!?”
Martha Stewart marked the occasion in 2022 with a different kind of glow—one she found in Maine. She shared Instagram snapshots from a trip to Somesville, writing, “Somesville maine. a beautiful american town with patriotic vibes!!” In the post. she stood on a bridge behind a large American flag. and she dedicated the images to the holiday itself: “Stopped at the flag festooned bridge for this photo for the commemoration and celebration of Memorial Day 2022 our deepest sympathies and sincerest thanks to those who sacrificed their lives for us and our country.”.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s 2022 contribution went straight to the holiday’s deeper meaning. Her tribute addressed what it means to protect the country. writing: “Being a member of the Armed Forces and dedicating your life to the protection of your country is how this country came into existence. The bravery and sacrifice and selflessness that soldiers display. whatever branch. whatever job. whatever circumstance. we are only here because of their bravery. All of my fathers and many of my family have served in the Armed Forces and we honor them here today.”.
Even when the weekend looks like pure summer fun, some of the posts still hint at the day’s emotional weight. Nicky Hilton’s 2022 Instagram carousel, for example, focused on time with loved ones and the outdoors, with images pointing to a barbecue and a chance to soak up the weather.
Taken together, the throwbacks show how Memorial Day Weekend can hold two truths at once: the joy of the season turning, and the gratitude that comes with the holiday’s purpose.
Memorial Day Weekend celebrity throwbacks Kim Kardashian Bella Hadid Tarek El Moussa Heather Rae Martha Stewart Maine Jamie Lee Curtis Nicky Hilton Armed Forces tribute Instagram carousel
So basically Memorial Day is just bikini pics now? Idk feels weird.
Jamie Lee Curtis doing a tribute is cool I guess. But why is Kim Kardashian getting mentioned like she’s the whole reason for the holiday.
Wait did Martha Stewart actually go to like a “flag festooned bridge”?? Because I thought Memorial Day was more about parades? Also the article says armed-forces tribute in 2022 but I only see beach stuff in my head lol.
Feels like summer.. yeah ok Tarek boating while everyone else remembers. But I mean, posting throwbacks is technically a message? Like if you post a flag photo does that cancel out the rest of the year where they’re doing whatever. I’m not even mad I’m just confused.