27 May Celebrating Memorial Day With Your Children
I recently asked my six year old daughter if she knew why we celebrate Memorial Day? She didn’t really have an answer. This made me wonder how many other young people may not know why Americans celebrate Memorial Day and it’s importance. I decided to search the internet for some ideas on how to engage my children in a discussion about Memorial Day and activities that my family can take part in that might help them to understand the significance of this day. It can definitely be challenging teaching the meaning of Memorial Day to your children. To many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and is an excuse to get out and barbecue and go camping. However the meaning is greater than a casual barbecue. I want my children to understand why we celebrate Memorial Day and what it means to our country’s history.
The easiest way to explain this holiday is to talk about what it means to you and your family. Here are some great family ideas from www.military.com to pay tribute to those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Honor and Respect
Visit a local Veteran’s cemetery. Almost every community has some sort of war memorial.
Visit and Pay Tribute
Take cookies, books, or movies to a nearby Veteran’s hospital.
Celebrate with a Parade
Go to a Memorial Day parade. To find one near you visit www.vetfriends.com. Or, watch the National Memorial Day Parade on television.
Scavenger Hunt
This link provides kids an online scavenger hunt that helps them learn about the history of Memorial Day.
Recognize our Heroes
Teach your children about medals of honor. You can print a Medal of Honor coloring book and learn the history behind our brave Soldiers.
Educate with History
Watch a movie 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.
Create with Crafts
Visit enchantedlearning.com and find Memorial Day coloring pages, craft projects, word searches, quizzes and more.
Break Bread Together
www.Allrecipes.com has some great Memorial Day recipes for the holiday.
Make a Soldier’s Day
Have your children create a card or picture to be sent overseas to a Soldier currently at war.
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