Teaching the meaning of Memorial Day to your children can be a challenge. To many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and is an excuse to get out and barbeque and go camping.
But for military families, the meaning runs much deeper than a casual barbeque. We want our children to understand why Memorial Day is a holiday and what it means to our country's history and our warriors' families.
The simplest thing you can do to explain and honor this holiday with your children is to spend time talking to them about what Memorial Day means to you. Take the day to talk and reflect on the subject of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Honor and Respect
Visit a local memorial or cemetery. Almost every community has some sort of a war memorial. Take your kids to visit a memorial, veterans cemetery, or gravesite of a fallen soldier. Encourage them to observe a moment of silence and perhaps lay flowers or small flags to honor the fallen.
Participate in a Service Project
Get involved in a community service project in honor of Memorial Day. This could involve volunteering at a veterans hospital, organizing care packages for deployed troops, or participating in a local charity event benefiting military families. You could also take cookies, books, or movies to a nearby veterans hospital. Help your kids write thank-you notes or letters to veterans, active-duty service members, or military families to express their gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Celebrate with a Parade
Go to a Memorial Day parade. Many communities host Memorial Day parades or ceremonies to honor veterans and fallen soldiers. To find one near you, visit vetfriends.com. Bring your kids to participate in these events and show their support for those who have served. Or, watch the National Memorial Day Parade together as a family on television.
Scavenger Hunt
This link provides kids an online scavenger hunt that helps them learn about the history of Memorial Day.
Learn About Military History
Take this opportunity to teach your kids about the history of Memorial Day and the significance of military service. You can read age-appropriate books, watch documentaries, or visit historical sites related to military history. The History Channel and The Military Channel have many shows that might fit this bill.
Hold a Moment of Silence
Set aside a moment of silence at home to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and honor the memory of fallen soldiers. Use this time to discuss with your kids the importance of remembering and honoring those who have served.
Create Patriotic Crafts
Spend some time at home creating patriotic crafts with your kids. You can make American flags, red poppy flowers (a symbol of remembrance), or patriotic-themed artwork to display in your home. Visit enchantedlearning.com to find Memorial Day coloring pages, craft projects, word searches, quizzes and more.
By engaging in these activities, you can help instill in your kids a sense of appreciation, respect, and understanding for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.
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