Memorial Day For Kids (With Links)

With the three-day weekend upon us, it's important to remind our kids (and ourselves) that Memorial Day is more than burgers and parades. It's a bittersweet occasion to remember those who protect our country now and did so in the past. 

The holiday originated on May 30, 1868, when Union General John A. Logan declared the day (then called Decoration Day) as an occasion to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. A mere twenty years later, the name was changed to Memorial Day. On May 11, 1950, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the President issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. President Richard M. Nixon declared Memorial Day a federal holiday in 1971. Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday of May. 

To celebrate it, you might want to take the kids to a local military site (it could be a graveyard, museum, or historical venue) to chat about what it means to be in the military and the sacrifices each service person and their families make. Here's a list of links that explain what Memorial Day is all about:

1.  This link from Apples4TheTeacher offers short stories about Memorial Day; they are appropriate for elementary school kids.  

2.  Visit Arlington National Cemetery online and show the kids how important this site is to our country.

3.  This site, US Memorial Day, gives the full history of the holiday and explains why the red poppies are the symbol of veterans.

Oh, and watch this excellent YouTube video explaining Memorial Day:

I think it's important for kids to understand the sacrifices those in the armed forces have made and continue to make. Memorial Day reminds us that freedom comes at a price and that many have paid that price so that we can live free in our country today. 

How will YOU celebrate this holiday? 

3 Fantastic Children's Books For Veterans Day

(In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in a spot on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and city of Washington. This location became the country's primary destination for the veneration of America's veterans. Similar ceremonies took place in England and France on that same date, November 11^th, and the three focused attention on the ending of the fighting in World War I at 11am on November 11^th, 1918 (the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month). The date became known as “Armistice Day” and was later changed to honor all who have served in American Wars. We now recognize it as Veterans Day.*)

A warm book, perfect for Veteran's Day

Sure, your kids are probably learning about it in school, but if, like me, you have relatives who fought for our country and you'd like to reinforce the importance of Veteran's Day, here are three great books you can share with your kids: 

Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin – In this story, narrated by a little boy, he explains that, “My dad is a superhero.” No, he doesn't wear a cape or carry a laser gun, but he does wear fatigues and carries a rifle. The son explains many of the day-to-day actions soldiers perform like driving a tank, jumping out of an airplane, and working long hours far away from his family. Aimed at kindergarteners and younger, the book contains bright, simple illustrations that show what the father is doing while he's away from his much-missed son. I love the tone of Hero Dad – you can feel the love and pride the boy has for his dad. This is a treasure for a child with a parent deployed because they'll be able to picture, in their minds, what their missing parent is doing and may help them feel closer to that parent while they're far away.

Another surefire Veteran's Day classic!

The Wall by Eve Bunting – A young father takes his son to the Vietnam War Memorial where they look to find the name of the boy's grandfather who died in the conflict. They search seemingly endless rows and rows of names before finally finding Grandpa's. This is a solemn book, yet it's not heavy-handed at all. You get a sense of loss, but there's love and honor here, too. The dad tells his son that, “I'm proud that your grandfather's name is on this wall” while the son agrees, but innocently adds that “I'd rather have my grandpa here.” The Wall is the perfect catalyst for parents and grandparents to discuss family members and friends who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It's for kids in preschool through perhaps first or second grade. 

Why IS the poppy the symbol of veterans?

The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael And Her Tribute To Veterans by Barbara Walsh – Ever wonder why the Veterans give out red poppies at events and outside supermarkets? I did, too, until I read this book which tells the story of a schoolteacher from Georgia who was deeply affected when some of her students and friends became soldiers in World War I. Moina worked tirelessly to make the red poppy (seen by soldiers popping up amid the trenches, craters, and otherwise barren battlefields) as the symbol to remember and honor soldiers. honor the war veterans. This book is targeted toward kids in grades three through five and a portion of the book's proceeds supports the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the U.S. military. 

Veterans Day offers us the priceless chance to share some of the history and sacrifices men, women, and their families have made for this country. Reading with them gives kids the chance to ask questions and explore the topic of war within the safe reaches of the people they love most. Don't miss this opportunity to share Veteran' Day with your kids!

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Source:  http://www.classbrain.com