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How to teach your kids about Memorial Day

Posted on May 22, 2019

Memorial Day will be observed Monday May 27th this year. This holiday often symbolizes the start of summer with a long weekend filled with barbeques, pools opening, and lots of family and friend gatherings. Maybe even a trip to Monkey Joe’s! Let’s not forget the real reason we have a day off, and are able to celebrate. Let’s also take the time to teach our kids, so they know the importance of the day. Memorial Day, by definition, is a federal holiday in the United States in which those who died in active military are remembered. It is observed on the last Monday in May each year. It originated in the years following the civil war around 1866, and became an official holiday in 1971. 

How much you explain to your kids is up to you, after all you know them best and how sensitive they may be to these kinds of topics. Let them know that it’s important to always respect our Armed Forces, but holidays like this are important to remember those who served and kept our country safe. 

Here are some activities you can do with your kids to make them aware of why they are celebrating.

  • Head to your local library. Many children’s areas of libraries have displays with books they’ve chosen, and recommend for your child learning about Memorial Day. 
  • Teach your kids about the American Flag, have them color one, or create one. Older children may find it interesting to know how to properly care for and fold a flag. 
  • Using the term “hero” may resonate with kids, teaching them that these military men and women were very brave fighting for our country. 
  • Take a moment of silence with your family to remember the heroes. At 3pm on Memorial Day, there is a National Moment of Remembrance.

Whether you do them all, or just one, doing something for those we’re celebrating on Memorial Day is an important lesson for our kids.

If you are looking for something fun to do we are holding our annual Summer Kick Off Party. We would love to see you there and we promise you will have a blast!