Joshua 4:6-7 points out that God wants our children to know about the past and to understand the reason for things we do in the present. Have you been intentional in making sure your children know it is so much more than grilling out or a trip to the lake.? How will they know if you don’t tell them? During this Memorial Day weekend please be sure to talk to your children about the reason for the celebration. Tell them Memorial Day is meant to be a time to remember the American soldiers who died in service to our country. Teach them to value the ultimate sacrifice these soldiers made for us all.
The history of Memorial Day originally began in 1868 as a day to decorate the graves of soldiers who died in the Civil War. In more recent years our government passed a resolution that Memorial Day be observed on the last Monday of May as an occasion to remember and honor the men and women who died in all wars.
Memorial Day honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to ALL American veterans, but especially honoring living veterans who have served their country. You can keep the days straight by the fact that Memorial Day is in May and it has to do with the memory of those who died.
Regardless of how you might feel about the present state of America, don’t fail to remember those who died for her in the past. Here are some resources and ideas to help you lead your children to appreciate what the day means:
- Ministry-to-Children.com has a great Bible lesson for Memorial Day based on the above verse.
- This thestir.cafemom.com has a list of 10 traditions, more important than the barbecue, to add to your Memorial Day celebration that actually relate to the reason for the holiday
- Show pictures of and tell them about any family members or friends that have served
- Teach them patriotic songs http://thedebtweowe.com/8-patriotic-songs-you-should-teach-your-children
- Listen to patriotic music. Here’s a good cd to purchase: America’s Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids
- Watch patriotic movies
- March like a soldier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOb7CEXxG-w
Our boys loved to pretend to be soldiers, dressing in full camouflage.
When they got older they made this short film to illustrate one of their father’s sermons:
http://youtu.be/M9-_nSHugK
“I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free
and I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me”
