For many families, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. It’s often filled with cookouts, time outside, road trips, and gathering with friends and family.
But beyond the long weekend and celebrations, Memorial Day also carries a much deeper meaning. It’s a day to honor and remember the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States military.
For parents, Memorial Day can also be an opportunity to teach children about gratitude, service, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring others. Whether you attend a local ceremony or simply take a few moments to reflect together as a family, even small traditions can help kids better understand the meaning behind the holiday.
Even small conversations about gratitude, service, and sacrifice can help children better understand the meaning behind the holiday over time.
Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?
Before jumping into Memorial Day activities with your kids, it can be helpful to talk about the meaning and history behind the holiday.
Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. For many families, Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial beginning of summer.2
Today, we need to take at least a few moments to honor the fallen men and women who have sacrificed their lives to serve and protect our country. Their sacrifice deserves to be remembered and honored. That’s why Memorial Day can also be a meaningful opportunity to talk to our children about how lucky we are to live in an amazing country where they can grow up and be whatever they want to be.
Related: Teaching Your Kids About Gratitude
Meaningful Ways To Celebrate Memorial Day With Kids
You don’t need elaborate plans to make Memorial Day meaningful for kids. Small moments of gratitude, learning, and reflection can leave a lasting impact.
Fly the Flag
Flying the American flag is a great way to display American pride, but it’s even more special on Memorial Day. According to flag etiquette, the flag should be raised at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the day.2
Before noon, with the flag at half-staff, we remember those who died in wars. In the afternoon, we honor living veterans and those who continue to serve our country. If you have an American flag, have your kids help you put it up and watch it fly.
Related: 6 Easy Popsicle Recipes for Kids
Observe the National Moment of Remembrance
In 2000, President Bill Clinton issued a memorandum on the White House Program for the National Moment of Remembrance, encouraging Americans to “pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day, to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.”3 So pause at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day and pay respect to those who fought for us.
Write Thank-You Notes to Veterans
A fun and easy way to say thanks with your kids is to write a thank-you letter to a veteran or current member of the armed forces. Whether it’s your family member or someone you’ve never met, they will appreciate your kind words.
A Million Thanks makes it super easy to send a letter to men and women in the military.
This is a great hands-on activity for kids of all ages. Another way to say thank you is to send a thank-you bouquet through the National Memorial Day Foundation, which will be placed at the New York City war memorials.
Support Military Families
Today, I can’t help but think of the families, spouses, and parents left behind. My heart goes out to each of them. If you know of a family with a loved one serving or who has served, give them a call or stop by to check in and offer support.
You could also consider donating to a charity organization supporting families of soldiers killed in combat. For instance, the National Military Family Association helps military families. Another great organization is the Wounded Warrior Project. They support veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, coincident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001, and their families.
Related: 100 Free Summer Activities for Kids
Visit a Veteran’s Cemetery
One of the most traditional ways to observe Memorial Day is to attend a Memorial Day Ceremony at one of the VA’s National Cemeteries. Others also honor the dead by placing flags and flowers on veterans’ graves.
You can also participate in the “Adopt-A-Grave” program. Volunteers care for the graves of fallen soldiers, keeping them free of debris and decorating them with flowers. Check if the cemeteries in your town support the program and become a member!
Attend a Memorial Service
Most cities hold Memorial Day parades, concerts, and ceremonies. Attending the parade is a great way to introduce children to the traditions of Memorial Day. Showing up to support local veterans and military families can make these events even more meaningful.
Memorial Day can be both meaningful and memorable for families. Whether you attend a parade, visit a memorial, or simply take a few quiet moments to talk with your kids about gratitude and sacrifice, these traditions can help your children better understand the holiday’s importance.
Even small conversations and acts of remembrance can leave a lasting impression and help keep the spirit of Memorial Day alive for future generations.
