Looking for some meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day with your family? Here are a few ideas.
Family barbecues are wonderful, and with a little extra effort we can help our children understand their heritage, the price that has been paid for their freedom, and the real reason why we set aside this special day.
You could even observe a "Memorial Week" and share a short story, quote, or inspirational message each day in a morning devotional, as part of family dinner, or before a fun family activity. Over time, family traditions help build family unity and special memories together.
Serve a Red, White, and Blue Breakfast
Decorate your table with patriotic decorations. Serve waffles, cream, strawberries and blueberries for a red, white, and blue breakfast. Talk about Memorial Day and what it means. Read a Memorial Day Proclamation or a special Memorial Day message.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade
Take your family to a local Memorial Day parade. You can find one in the U.S. Memorial Day Parade Directory. Talk with your children about the price that's been paid for our freedom, and why it's important to honor those who have sacrificed to keep our country free.
Visit the Cemetery
Visit a nearby veteran's cemetery. Many communities have a veteran's cemetery or a memorial for those who have fought for our country. Talk to your children about the price of freedom. Teach them that not everyone can or should serve in the military, but each of us has a sacred duty to give our time and effort to preserve liberty in America.
Interview a Patriot
Talk to a person who has served in the military. Thank them and ask questions about their experiences. If you don’t know anyone in the military, you might visit someone in a local veteran's hospital. You could give them a small gift or treat. Be sure to express your gratitude for their service.
Write a Letter
Do you know a family who has lost a loved one serving in the military? You could write them a letter of gratitude for their sacrifice to our country. If they live close by, you could visit them and express your appreciation for their service. You could take them a card, flowers, or a small gift. Just knowing you are thinking of them and are grateful to their family could be a blessing for them.
Learn More about Memorial Day
Learn more about Memorial Day. Watch a video about the history of Memorial Day or a Memorial Day tribute. Or watch an inspiring presentation like The Price of Freedom.
Have a Special Campfire Commemoration
Build a campfire and gather around for a special family time. Share your feelings about Memorial Day and those who have given their lives for our country. Children could read or recite special Memorial Day quotes. Sing your favorite patriotic songs. If you want, you could roast hotdogs or marshmallows, make s’mores, or serve other fun refreshments.
Family barbecues are wonderful, and with a little extra effort we can help our children understand their heritage, the price that has been paid for their freedom, and the real reason why we set aside this special day.
You could even observe a "Memorial Week" and share a short story, quote, or inspirational message each day in a morning devotional, as part of family dinner, or before a fun family activity. Over time, family traditions help build family unity and special memories together.
Serve a Red, White, and Blue Breakfast
Decorate your table with patriotic decorations. Serve waffles, cream, strawberries and blueberries for a red, white, and blue breakfast. Talk about Memorial Day and what it means. Read a Memorial Day Proclamation or a special Memorial Day message.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade
Take your family to a local Memorial Day parade. You can find one in the U.S. Memorial Day Parade Directory. Talk with your children about the price that's been paid for our freedom, and why it's important to honor those who have sacrificed to keep our country free.
Visit the Cemetery
Visit a nearby veteran's cemetery. Many communities have a veteran's cemetery or a memorial for those who have fought for our country. Talk to your children about the price of freedom. Teach them that not everyone can or should serve in the military, but each of us has a sacred duty to give our time and effort to preserve liberty in America.
Interview a Patriot
Talk to a person who has served in the military. Thank them and ask questions about their experiences. If you don’t know anyone in the military, you might visit someone in a local veteran's hospital. You could give them a small gift or treat. Be sure to express your gratitude for their service.
Write a Letter
Do you know a family who has lost a loved one serving in the military? You could write them a letter of gratitude for their sacrifice to our country. If they live close by, you could visit them and express your appreciation for their service. You could take them a card, flowers, or a small gift. Just knowing you are thinking of them and are grateful to their family could be a blessing for them.
Learn More about Memorial Day
Learn more about Memorial Day. Watch a video about the history of Memorial Day or a Memorial Day tribute. Or watch an inspiring presentation like The Price of Freedom.
Have a Special Campfire Commemoration
Build a campfire and gather around for a special family time. Share your feelings about Memorial Day and those who have given their lives for our country. Children could read or recite special Memorial Day quotes. Sing your favorite patriotic songs. If you want, you could roast hotdogs or marshmallows, make s’mores, or serve other fun refreshments.
