Teaching Children with 5 Time-Honored Traditions this Memorial Day
Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off to summer, but it’s meaning runs much deeper. It’s a time to pay respect to the men and women who have given their life in service. As you enjoy a picnic lunch with friends and family or a backyard barbecue, I recommend these five ideas for honoring those in military service.
On Memorial Day at 3p.m. across the USA there is a moment of remembrance. Make it a point to talk to your children about the significance of doing this. At 3p.m., stay still and quiet for one to two minutes. This teaches your children how to reflect and meditate on those who gave up lives for theirs.
Seek out a Memorial Day parade and take part in it or watch it. These are fun to attend and reminds your family what the day is all about.
Have your children read a book or read one to them about military heroes who served the country and the impact they left on the world. If your children are older, watch a movie together as a family about wars that were fought to keep our country free.
Write letters and make artwork with your children to send to our troops. Taking time to draw a picture or write letters of gratitude with your children is fun and meaningful. You can mail the letters or packages to a non-profit organization called “Support our Troops.” Support Our Troops / 13791 N. Nebraska Ave / Tampa, FL 33613
Make a care package as your family. Deliver flowers, home cooked goodies, or other gifts to patients at a veterans’ hospital. This is a wonderful way to teach children the importance of thankfulness and acts of kindness.
Memorial Day makes a wonderful three-day weekend with your family, but don’t forget the reason we celebrate the day! Take time to talk and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for our country.