Last Monday of May is National Memorial Day of the USA. It is the day when we remember our fallen troops of war. Since this day is a national holiday, many families either go on a picnic or arrange barbeque in the backyard. There is nothing wrong with celebrating Memorial Day for kids but it is important for kids to know the true meaning of Memorial Day.
To many kids, it’s just another holiday for going on a beach or picnic. Some may know the facts. Many parents find it a bit difficult to discuss the context of war and death with the kids. But it’s always easier when you discuss with them according to their age.
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Memorial Day Kids Activities
Some of the Memorial Day kids activities are as below:
- You can visit the nearest veteran cemetery or war memorial to pay tribute to your kids and let them know about our national heroes who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Kids can take some flowers to the graveyard.
- Shop from a local veteran shop or buy something from the shop of the family members who have lost their beloved ones in the war.
Fun Facts about Memorial Day
You may have some extra fun with your kids on Memorial Day. Some of the fun facts of this day are below:
- Memorial Day is in May because of the availability of flowers. Flowers are mandatory in the graveyard. Giving flowers is a great way to show love, respect, and gratitude.
- Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day previously. It was originally created for commemorating the Union and Confederate soldiers who passed away in the American civil war.
- Northern states of the USA observed this day more spontaneously than the confederate states. Southern states also celebrate Confederate Memorial Day. They have a slightly different way to celebrate this day.
- This day was founded by General John A. Logan. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. It is a group of Union veterans of the American civil war. Logan issued a General Order declaring May 30 as Memorial Day for fallen Union soldiers. It was celebrated since then.
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Memorial Day Activity for Preschooler
Some of the great Memorial Day activities for preschooler are below:
- Make a USA flag with your kid. Help them to make a flag with some color paper or simply draw a flag.
- Wave the flag your kids made, in your backyard. Salute in front of the national flag to show respect. Sing some patriotic songs. Teach kids some patriotic songs.
- Make some Memorial Day cards with your kids. To show respect for the martyrs the card must express the true essence of national day mourning.
- Storytelling can be a great way of learning. Bring your kids to the local veteran storytelling occasion. When veteran tells their story of war to them, kids got enlightened.
- Kids can also write a short essay on national Memorial Day according to their age. Let them write whatever they know about this day. Try to know what their perception about this day is. Talk to them on this day about their feelings for the fallen war heroes.
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Memorial Day is a day for mourning and showing respect for the war heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. Remember, Memorial Day for kids is also a day for showing respect and mourner not to celebrate, so never wish happy Memorial Day to each other. Parents should let the kids learn about this fact.
