Memorial Day is a national holiday that many schools and businesses close in honor of. While kids are often excited about the day off, many don’t fully understand Memorial Day or celebrate its true meaning. This year, it’s important to honor Memorial Day and celebrate it in an enjoyable way.
Here are some tips for teaching your kids about Memorial Day.
What is Memorial Day?
Monday, May 31st marks Memorial Day. It’s a holiday in remembrance of those who have died while serving in the U.S. military, and it’s been an official holiday since 1971. This year, talk about the meaning of Memorial Day with your children, discussing why we celebrate it and the ultimate sacrifices the men and women made.
Celebrating Memorial Day with Children
Despite its immense importance, most people do not truly celebrate Memorial Day. Even though it is quite a somber holiday, there are still many fun ways to celebrate.
- Visit your local memorial for fallen soldiers. Find out if you have a memorial cemetery near your city. If so, this is a great activity for older children. Visit in the daytime to pay your respects and to talk about those who are honored on this holiday.
- Learn about U.S. military members in your area who passed during their duty. This activity brings Memorial Day closer to home. Find out about former soldiers from your community, and learn a bit about those from your area.
- Popsicle stick flags. Connect popsicle sticks to make a rectangle. Make mini flags by painting alternating sticks red and white, and creating a blue patch with white stars to go in the corner. This is a great craft for kids of all ages, but the flags may look different for each child! Display them around your house to celebrate Memorial Day!
- Red, white, and blue treats. There are so many different desserts and snacks that may work for this option. The key is to let the red, white, and blue shine through. Pick a snack your family loves and make it together for Memorial Day.
- Watch a Memorial Day movie. A movie or documentary can be a good way for kids to learn more about Memorial Day and fallen soldiers. Of course, consider your child’s age to ensure the content will not be too graphic or disturbing, but family movie night is an excellent option for celebrating Memorial Day!
Honor those who have given their lives in the military with your children this Memorial Day. You can still make the holiday fun and enjoyable while paying homage to those it remembers.
