Memorial Day is a solemn American holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. It’s a day marked by ceremonies, quiet reflection, and expressions of gratitude — and for many, a moment to gather with friends and family in remembrance. For cigar enthusiasts, lighting up a fine cigar on Memorial Day can be more than just a relaxing pastime; it can be a meaningful ritual that ties together history, honor, and camaraderie.

A Cigar as a Symbol

Cigars have long been associated with celebration, respect, and reflection. Whether it’s a victory smoke after a successful mission or a quiet moment alone, cigars have a unique way of slowing time — encouraging contemplation and conversation. On Memorial Day, this act takes on a deeper meaning. Smoking a cigar can serve as a tribute, a silent toast to those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy.

Sharing Stories and Creating Memories

Many people use Memorial Day as a time to reconnect — gathering in backyards, at cemeteries, or around campfires. Cigars often become part of these traditions, shared among veterans, friends, and family members. The act of lighting up together can open the door to stories about loved ones who served, about battles fought, and about lives lived fully, if too briefly. It’s a way of keeping memories alive.

Choosing the Right Cigar

When selecting a cigar for Memorial Day, many aficionados look for something special — a cigar that matches the weight of the day. Full-bodied blends with complex, reflective flavors are often favored, though the best choice is ultimately personal. Some may choose a cigar once enjoyed by a lost loved one, while others might select something bold and celebratory to honor the spirit of those remembered.

Our Picks For Memorial Day Cigars:

CAO America Landmark, Monument and Potomac Cigars

A tribute to the good ole red, white, and blue, CAO America is a unique dual-wrapped cigar which smokes like a dream. Just as America is called a melting pot, so is CAO America. An extremely unique blend of filler tobacco from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic is paired with tobaccos from Italy as well as America. A spicy Brazilian binder holds it all together. Just as one-of-a-kind as the filler blend is the wrapper. A dual wrapper of Connecticut shade as well as Connecticut broadleaf maduro are utilized to create a barber pole effect. While most list this cigar as a medium-to-full-bodied cigar, the few that we have smoked have resided closer to the medium end of that range.

CAO America has a beautiful band with an American flag design and a secondary blue and gold band around the foot accented with stars and the eagle seal of America. As striking as this presentation is, what really sticks out is the striped effect the two distinct wrapper leaves give. CAO America is a cigar that will make you want to stand up and salute. A unique looking cigar, with a special blend and a fantastic full flavor. Perfect cigar for an all-American BBQ or a great steak dinner. SHOP NOW

Alec Bradley American Classic Cigars

Sometimes it really makes one wonder how someone came up with the name of a cigar, but there's no such mystery with an Alec Bradley American Classic. The front mark relates to it having been specifically designed to recreate the experience of smoking a cigar produced during the heyday of Tampa cigar production in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Much like most of the stogies rolled in Ybor City, this cigar contains a variety of tobaccos from Central America. The filler and binder are succulent, potent leaves from Nicaragua, while the wrapper is a smooth and rich Honduran Connecticut selected for its mellow creaminess. SHOP NOW

Cigars Made in America

The United States has many cigar manufacturers that hand roll cigars. Like J.C. Newman (in Ybor City / Tampa, FL- "cigar capital of the world" in the early 1920's), George Rico (Gran Habano), Don Pepin, Ernesto Padilla, and El Titan de Bronze (rolls for La Palina and Drew Estate in Miami) carefully create small-batch handmades right on American soil. Also, states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Florida grow some of the most prized tobacco leaves.

Shop All of Our Cigars Made in America

Don't forget a American Glory XIKAR® XI2 cigar cutter to cut all your cigars! (XIKAR Lifetime Warranty included)

Several Prominent Military Figures are Known to Have Enjoyed Cigars:

Ulysses S. Grant (USA)

• The 18th U.S. president and Union general during the Civil War.
• Grant was famously gifted thousands of cigars by admirers after a newspaper mentioned his habit.
• He was known to smoke up to 20 cigars a day, even during intense battles.

Douglas MacArthur (USA)

• Famous WWII Pacific theater general and later commander in Korea.
• His image often includes a large corncob pipe, but he was also known to enjoy cigars.
• MacArthur embodied the classic image of a confident, larger-than-life commander.

George S. Patton (USA)

• Legendary U.S. general in WWII.
• Known for his aggressive leadership style, flamboyant personality, and — notably — for his love of cigars.
• Often seen with a cigar in hand or mouth, even while inspecting troops.

Winston Churchill (UK)

• Although technically a political leader, Churchill had extensive military experience and held wartime leadership during both World Wars.
• One of the most iconic cigar smokers in history; the “Churchill” size cigar (7 x 47) is named after him.
• He was rarely photographed without a cigar.

Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (UK)

• British WWII commander, especially known for his role in North Africa and Europe.
• Though not as famous as Churchill for cigars, he was known to enjoy them occasionally.

William T. Sherman (USA)

• Famous Union general during the American Civil War.
• Often depicted with cigars during and after the war, particularly after the Atlanta campaign.

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