Not only can you show your pride on Memorial Day, you can reflect on those people whose memories you wish to honor. While this holiday is centered on military personnel, you can also remember the lives of those who are your personal heroes.
Steps
1. Courageous.
The reason for this holiday is to honor courageous American people who have fallen in the defense of our country. Look at your family and friends. List those you wish to honor this holiday. What did they do to support their country, their family and friends, or their community? Brainstorm ways you can share this with others.
2. Parades.
Many communities have parades to honor their heroes, both living and dead. The emotion that runs through the crowds as veterans pass by can be overwhelming. Attend a Memorial Day parade.
3. Visit.
Another activity is visiting cemeteries and memorials. Veterans will have American flags, allowing you to visualize how many in your community honored their country. Take younger people with you when you visit. Discuss why honoring our heroes is so important.
4. Ceremony.
From flags flying at half-staff until noon, the playing of Taps, moments of silence and other elements can be incorporated in to a remembrance ceremony. Plan or participate in a ceremony.
5. Service.
From collecting food for pantries to thanking veterans for their service, your project should revolve around our heroes. Find out what is happening in your community for this Memorial Day. Can you participate in a service project someone else is doing? If not, discuss what you might do to not only remember the fallen but to help the families left behind as well.
6. Crafts.
If you would like to include crafted items in your holiday celebration, stick with red, white and blue for Memorial Day. In addition, use a lot of stars and stripes. Explore holiday crafts. You might want to check out Independence Day crafts as well for more ideas.
7. Picnics.
Many families celebrate outdoors with a party or picnic. From crafted decorations to grilled food, it’s great to get out after a cold winter and wet spring. Plan a picnic to celebrate Memorial Day.
8. Community.
Many communities come out in support of this holiday. Some activities, such as parades and ceremonies, are mentioned above. Find out if your community does something beyond the traditions listed in this badge program. Share them with others or incorporate them into your own personal traditions.
9. Traditions.
As you celebrate the holiday, start your own family traditions. Document what you do and how you might improve for the next year.
10. Summer.
Memorial Day marks the start of summer. Use the holiday not only to look backward, but forward so you can create memories with friends and family. Be especially aware of those who have signed up for duty or are planning to do so. How can you continue to honor those who have given so much to support our country?
Supplements
SUPP_Memorial Day_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_Memorial Day_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_Printable_Memorial Day_Word_larajla
- Word list for Memorial Day
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_SC_Memorial Day_larajla
- Puzzle Fun: Memorial Day Scramble
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WF_Memorial Day_larajla
- Puzzle Fun: Memorial Day Word Find
Sites to Explore
- www.huffingtonpost.com/news/memorial-day-ideas
- www.thespruce.com/memorial-day-activities-for-kids-2104301
- www.dltk-kids.com/usa/memorial-day.htm
- www.evite.com/content/ideas/memorial-day
- www.nea.org/tools/lessons/memorialday-lesson-ideas.html
- fun.familyeducation.com/memorial-day/holidays/33548.html
- www.parents.com/holiday/memorial-day/traditions/patriotic-ways-to-celebrate-memorial-day-with-kids
- www.usmemorialday.org/observe.htm
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs