Let’s not forget what this long weekend is about. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. God made a decree many years ago that we set up memorials to help our children know about the things that happened in the past:
Joshua 4:6-7
We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask, “What do these stones mean to you?” Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s covenant went across.” These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel.”
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.
During this Memorial Day weekend be sure to talk to your children about the reason for the holiday. Here are some suggestions:
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- Ministry-to-Children.com has a great Bible lesson for Memorial Day based on the above verse.
- Look at pictures of soldiers.
- Thank God for the soldiers.
- Tell them about any family members or friends that have served.
- Teach them patriotic songs
- Listen to patriotic music. Here’s a good cd to purchase: America’s Favorite Patriotic Songs for Kids
- March like a soldier http://www.youtube.
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As children, 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:
