This weekend is Memorial Day, which means we should all be taking the time to thank those who have given their lives to protect our life and liberty, but that’s not exactly how it’s traditionally spent. It’s not to say that we don’t do it at all, but we do a little less of it, and squeeze it in between hot dogs and shotgunning beers. Still, Memorial Day is hands-down one of the most American holidays out there, so this year make it as awesome as possible with BCU’s Weekend To-Dos: Memorial Day Edition.

1. BBQ

Obviously. It’s not a Memorial Day weekend without a BBQ in your backyard with friends and family. How do you make this one the best? It’s all about the beer. And not just the ones you drink… try this recipe for Beer Brats by Bobby Flay and you will never go back to your crappy old hotdogs again.

2. Paintball

As the weather warms up, there is nothing better to rev up your BBQ appetite like shooting your friend in the face with a paintball. Find your local paintball arena, grab some friends, and live out those secret dreams of being Seal Team 6, except instead of murdering a criminal mastermind, you’re giving your cousin a welt on his leg for taking the last slice of pizza that one time.

3. See the Hangover 2

After a BBQ wherein you eat your weight in ground up meat, a great hangover treat is a movie trip to see a gross-out comedy – and The Hangover 2 is just that. With all your favorite stars back in action (except this time in Thailand), you’re sure to laugh your ass off (and maybe vomit some of those chicken wings up from your BBQ) .

In all seriousness, BCU sends its thanks to all the men in uniform who are or have served our country. We may not show it after 12 beers and 16 undercooked burgers, but we mean it when we say WE APPRECIATE YOU.

Happy MEMORIAL DAY!