Memorial Day, a U.S. federal holiday observed every year on the last Monday of May, is so much more than the unofficial start of summer. It was established to remember those who died while serving our country's armed forces. It began as Decoration Day after the Civil War when the nation decorated the graves of those who died in the war with flowers. That tradition was eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in military service, and it continues today.
There are many simple ways to honor Memorial Day with your children. Here are 7 ideas:
1. Attend a Memorial Day event
Many parades, ceremonies, and other observances are held throughout the nation to mark this special day.
On Monday, May 27, 2024
- 10am, Annapolis Memorial Day Parade step off at the corner of Amos Garrett Blvd. and West St. The route heads toward downtown along West St., will proceed the wrong way around Church Circle, go down Main St., turn left on Randall St., and end at the Market House near Ego Alley and City Dock.
- 11am, Maryland Veterans Affairs Observance at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville
- 11am, Maryland Veterans Affairs Observance at World War II Memorial, 1920 Ritchie Highway, Annapolis
2. Organize a neighborhood parade
Get the kids to decorate their bikes and trikes or use red, white, and blue decorations to adorn wagons and strollers to parade around your neighborhood with friends.
3. Observe the National Moment of Remembrance
In May 2000, Congress proclaimed that on Memorial Day at 3 p.m., Americans should observe one minute of silence to reflect and remember those who died in military service to the U.S. The National Moment of Remembrance became Public Law in December of that year.
4. Fly the American flag
On Memorial Day, the flag should first be raised to the top of the staff, then slowly lowered to half-staff, until noon, when it should be raised to the top of the staff for the rest of the day.
 Suzanne Walker | Pexels via Canva |
5. Visit a historical site or cemetery
Tour a historic battlefield or a soldiers' memorial for a personal look at the sacrifices made by our servicemen. Decorate the graves of soldiers with flags or flowers.
Visit the Annapolis National Cemetery on West St. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
The VA website says:
Annapolis was one of 14 national cemeteries established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862.
During the Civil War, Annapolis was the site of a Union training and recruiting center. Despite the government's best efforts to keep the camps sanitary, a large number of men died due to illnesses such as small pox and typhoid, as well as accidents and violence. As a result, most original interments at the cemetery were men who died at the training camps or nearby hospitals.
Annapolis also had a role in the exchange of prisoners between Union and Confederate sides. As early as the War of 1812, there was a well-established practice of paroling prisoners of war so neither side incurred the expense of holding and maintaining the others' troops for an extended period. While City Point, VA, was the official exchange location, Confederate prisoners were held at Annapolis while arrangements were negotiated. Conversely, Union soldiers held by the Confederacy were often moved to the hospital at Camp Parole, near Annapolis, after their release. At least 24 men buried at Annapolis National Cemetery were former Confederate POWs who died in captivity.
Annapolis National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
6. Talk to a veteran
Take the kids to hear the story of a serviceman or servicewoman and encourage them to ask questions to better understand the sacrifices military members make. As a sign of thanks, bring cookies, flowers, or a handmade note.
7. Make a patriotic craft or recipe
Make this cute Beaded American Flag Pin or these yummy Patriotic Parfaits.
Honoring Memorial Day can be as simple as taking some time out of the day to remember the true meaning of this important day and showing respect to those who have given their lives in service to the country. You can also teach your children about our country's rich history, the importance of freedom, and the sacrifices that have been made to make the USA what it is today.
