Honoring Memorial Day with Your Children

Memorial Day, a US federal holiday observed every year on the last Monday of May, remembers those who died while serving our country's armed forces. It originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War, as a time for the nation, to decorate the graves of the dead with flowers. That tradition was eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in military service and it continues today.

Teaching the meaning of Memorial Day to your children can be tricky. It's easy to get lost in the rush of picnics, parades, and fun during what many see as the unofficial start to summer. However, communities all around the United States will hold celebrations to pay respect and remembrance to those who have died serving our country. These events can be a wonderful way to teach your children about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

• The Grand Army of the Republic began decorating the graves of fallen service members with flowers in May 1868, which was then known as "Decoration Day".
• In 1971 Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, to be observed on the last Monday in May, moving it from the static date of May 30, in order to create a 3-day weekend.
• On the Thursday before Memorial Day, small American flags are placed at each of the 400,000+ gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries nationwide.
• To encourage more people to observe Memorial Day, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act in 2000, which asks people to stop what they are doing at 3:00 pm local time and observe a minute of silence to honor those who lost their lives defending the country. 
• On Memorial Day, the flag should first be raised to the top of the staff, then slowly lowered to half-staff, until noon when it should be raised to the top of the staff for the rest of the day.
• Red poppies are considered the Memorial Day flower. There is a poem called "In Flanders Fields" that refers to the fields of poppies growing among soldiers' graves during the First World War.

1. Attend a Memorial Day Parade:

Kick off the holiday by attending a Memorial Day parade in your community. The parade provides an excellent opportunity for children to witness veterans, active-duty personnel, and patriotic displays. Encourage your kids to wave flags and show their appreciation for those marching in the parade, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.
Visit our Calendar of Events for local options.

2. Visit a Veterans Cemetery:

Take your children to visit a local veterans cemetery and explain the significance of the headstones and markers. Teach them about the sacrifices made by the men and women buried there. Encourage your kids to place flowers or small American flags on the gravesites as a gesture of respect and remembrance.

3. Create Patriotic Crafts:

Engage your children in craft activities that celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day. Help them make handprint flags, create red, white, and blue windsocks, or design personalized thank-you cards for veterans and active-duty service members. These crafts serve as tangible reminders of the holiday's importance and can be proudly displayed at home.
Try our Patriotic Placemat, Beaded Pin, and Homemade Poppies

4. Write Letters to Soldiers:

Sit down with your children and write heartfelt letters or draw pictures to express gratitude and support for soldiers serving overseas. Look for organizations that distribute these letters to military personnel. Your children's words of encouragement and appreciation can bring comfort and joy to those far from home.
Try Doing Good Together or Soldiers' Angels

5 Organize a Patriotic Picnic:

Plan a Memorial Day picnic with a patriotic theme. Encourage your children to dress in red, white, and blue and prepare simple snacks like flag-themed fruit skewers or star-shaped sandwiches. Use this picnic as an opportunity to share stories about family members or friends who have served in the military, helping children understand their personal connections to this important day.
Here's how to organize a Successful BBQ with Kids

6. Watch a Military Tribute Movie:

Choose a family-friendly movie that pays tribute to the military and watch it together. Films like "American Sniper," "Hacksaw Ridge," or "The Patriot" can spark conversations about heroism, sacrifice, and the realities of war. Ensure that the movie is age-appropriate and provides educational insights while maintaining sensitivity to your child's emotional well-being.

7. Attend a Memorial Service:

Check if your community holds Memorial Day services or ceremonies and participate as a family. These services often include speeches, readings, and moments of silence to honor fallen soldiers. Explain the significance of these gestures to your children, emphasizing the importance of remembering and paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

8. Teach Flag Etiquette:

Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to teach your children about proper flag etiquette. Explain the significance of the flag's colors and the correct ways to display and handle it. Demonstrate how to fold the flag correctly and discuss the meaning behind each fold. This lesson in respect and patriotism will leave a lasting impression on your children.
Learn here from the Veterans of Foreign Wars

Want to learn how to properly fold a flag? Watch this video

9. Share Stories of Heroic Actions:

Gather stories of courageous military actions and share them with your children. These stories can include accounts of valor, bravery, and selflessness. Help your kids understand that these soldiers fought not only for their country but also to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear.
Here are 6 stories from the United Service Organization to get you started.

10. Donate to a Veterans' Organization:

Consider making a donation to a veterans' organization as a family. Research reputable charities that support veterans and their families and discuss the importance of giving back to those who have served our country. Explain to your children how their contribution can make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.
Check out our local options with SHARE Middlesex

Memorial Day provides a valuable opportunity to teach children about the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served in the military. By engaging in these ten family-friendly activities, you can create lasting memories while instilling a sense of gratitude, respect, and patriotism in your children.

Through these meaningful activities, you can help your children understand the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our country. By honoring Memorial Day together, you not only pay tribute to the fallen but also foster a deep appreciation for the freedoms and values they fought to protect.

This Memorial Day, let us remember, honor and teach our children to respect the brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. By doing so, we ensure that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations.

**** For more ideas on Honoring Memorial Day, read How to Honor Memorial Day ****

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