Commemorating Memorial Day with Kids
Have you ever really talked to your kids about the meaning of Memorial Day?
For most kids, “Memorial Day” means “Fun Three-Day Weekend” and the beginning of summer vacation. But Memorial Day is actually a day of remembrance for the men and women who have died for our country. And now is a great time to talk about it with your kids.
So before you fire up the grill, consider the following ideas for commemorating Memorial Day with your kids:
Fly the flag.
Memorial Day is the perfect day to fly the American flag at your house. Hoist it to half-mast, then raise it to high noon to honor the living. Don’t have a flag? Help your little one make one from construction paper and post it in your window.
Learn the history.
After the American Civil War, a custom arose among women and families in towns across the country to honor the graves of the fallen by decorating them with flowers. Known as “Decoration Day,” this custom continues still today. In 1971, President Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday on the last Monday of May. This link provides kids with an online scavenger hunt that helps them learn about the history of Memorial Day.
Make it Personal.
Did someone in your family die in service to our country? Now is a good time to share their story with your kids and talk about what Memorial Day means to you. Watch a movie together as a family and learn some history about famous battles of the past. The History Channel and The Military Channel have many shows that might fit this bill.
Go for a Visit.
Pay a visit to a local Veteran’s cemetery or war memorial. Bring flowers if you like, and tell your children about the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Just keep it age-appropriate. The National Infantry Museum will be open Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, to honor all those who gave their lives serving our country. For a list of events, click here.
Celebrate our Freedom.
Somber as it is, Memorial Day is also a celebration of life, a time when we mark and appreciate the heritage that our fallen soldiers left us. Planning a family barbecue? By all means, fire up the grill. Eat, drink, and rejoice with friends and family for the freedoms we share today.
