The Memorial Day weekend is upon us and I thought it would be a great time to share with our children the true meaning of the day.
We all know that freedom isn't free and that many had to pay the ultimate price with their lives.
My father fought in the Vietnam War and one day while they were there he was in a helicopter close to the ground with his best friend and his friend was shot in the head right in front of him and didn't make it.
I think about how that could have been my dad, and even how that had affected him over the years. He devoted his entire life serving in the military afterwards (Air Force, VFW & Navy). My heart and deep gratitude goes out to all those that bravely sacrificed everything for our country.
So, parents, let us teach this generation about the cost of freedom, while we support our military, and remember to honor and thank them. Let's share the stories with them so they will know our history.
Here are a few Memorial Day books for kids:
Memorial Day Book for Kids (including music)
Memorial Day Coloring Book for Kids
I love this Freedom Isn't Free shirt:
And this hat that comes in several different colors:
We like to put up flags and similar decor around the house to remember the day and then keep them up all summer for the 4th of July. We take them out on that day for the kids for them to use at our annual parade. We keep the ones outdoors up all year 'round.
And this fan flag HERE - we like to put these on the deck!
I know that many also like to visit special church services and go to the cemetery and put out flowers.
Let's remember to say a special prayer today for all those who lost a loved one while they served.
What do *you* like to do on Memorial Day?
Please share in the comments below!
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Thank you so much for this wonderful post. If only the whole country celebrated and appreciated what Memorial Day Is and Means. Our uncle served in Vietnam and stepped on a mine and lost half of his leg. His body on one side had shrapnel up and down the whole side. We have the house decorated for the day as well for the 4th of July. Thank You for the book suggestions.
ReplyDeleteMarion
Thank You for this informative and inspiring post. One of my school friends lost a brother in Vietnam. I had the pleasure of meeting him. One of our neighbors when I lived in Brooklyn lost his leg in Vietnam. My twin sister Marion wrote about our uncle. I am going to look into ordering some or all of the books you have listed. It is a shame some people do not appreciate the best country we live in. Wishing you and your family a safe and blessed Memorial Day. God Bless America.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn