For those of you with children, how do you explain Memorial Day to them?

2016-05-28T18:19:00-04:00

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 28 at 2016 6:25 PM

2016-05-28T18:25:32-04:00

Nicholas Efstathiou I would explain to them with a visual aid like a memorial and why its important. (Duty Honor Country).

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 28 at 2016 6:53 PM

2016-05-28T18:53:22-04:00

When my kids were little, I took them to the cemetery where they had all the Vets graves marked with a flag. They asked me who died in a war. I told them if they saw someone less than 40 (math exercise), it was more likely he/she died in action. Since I was over 40 they said I must not have died in action. My answer was "not yet". That got pretty sobering to them and seeing any memorial or grave site of a Vet afterwards reminded them of our talk. They also paid more attention when I came home from many trips to the netherworld. They knew what Memorial Day was ever since.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 28 at 2016 7:03 PM

2016-05-28T19:03:57-04:00

I don't remember explaining it to them, I'm sure they remember me helping the Chaplain with the Veterans Graves in Kitsap Washington and I bet my Oldest Granddaughter remembers that Memorial Day is the day Grandpa hands out Buddy Poppies at the Grocery Store but I don't remember ever discussing about it although I do have a love of the Poem "Flanders Fields"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-05-28T19:23:37-04:00

I didn't explain Memorial Day to my children. I was lucky that my two accompanied my ex and I throughout our traveal in the military. They learned from being exposed to observances of military life.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 11:57 PM

2016-05-28T23:57:48-04:00

My family is going to be attending a Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Snelling Cemetery this Memorial Day. I think that is the best way for them to learning what it is all about.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 10:38 PM

2016-05-29T22:38:29-04:00

Memorial Day, is a yearly reminder of those who gave their lifes, for our country. It is a day to think back and remember of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can enjoy the freedoms that this country provides. That is how I would start at least.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-05-30T16:30:55-04:00

Depending on how old they are is definitely going to determine how you explain. The best way I believe is telling and showing how blessed we are in this country. They may ask why is all the bad stuff happening in the news... One way to answer that is because there are special people who volunteer to make sure we have the ability to say things and do things that others might not have to opportunity to. If they are old enough, show them the video clips about Malala Yousafzai or maybe a clip about the Travis Manion Foundation on "If Not Me... Than who".

Response by CPL Jeffrey Portlance made May 31 at 2016 6:56 AM

2016-05-31T06:56:32-04:00

Memorial Day is about remembering the service members that died while in service of their country. There is no clearer explanation for the day. It is a day of Remembrance.

Response by SGT Josh Suchoski made May 31 at 2016 9:14 AM

2016-05-31T09:14:25-04:00

I explain it very straight forward and matter of fact. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for, and they can understand complexe emotions quite easily. Talk to them about it like you would talk with an adult.

Response by MAJ Mark N. made May 31 at 2016 9:47 AM

2016-05-31T09:47:00-04:00

Response by MAJ L. Nicholas Smith made May 31 at 2016 9:52 AM

2016-05-31T09:52:18-04:00

My children are still young (9 and 10) but we explain the meaning behind Memorial Day every year as we visit the military cemeteries. Each year they bring flowers with them and get to chose their soldiers/sailors/airmen/marines to give them to and then I explain where they were from and what war they were in based on the headstone.

Response by SFC Phillip Wiley made May 31 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-05-31T10:11:28-04:00

If you have to ask the answer will never be understood.

Response by SFC Michael Smith made May 31 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-05-31T10:12:44-04:00

By actions. Children remember very little of what has been told to them, but very surprisingly remember down to the smallest detail of what they experience or is shown to them. I have taken my children to Memorial Day services since they were very young and if available still attend today. They listen to vets stories and they get it. Today they both serve and I could not be more proud.

Response by MSgt Raymond Stettner made May 31 at 2016 10:40 AM

2016-05-31T10:40:41-04:00

My kids , who now are fully grown, would accompany us to the American Cemetery in Cambridge UK when I was stationed in England. Each Memorial Day and the UK Remembrance Day. Since I had an Uncle buried there at Cambridge they felt closer to the idea of each day. Now they take their kids to the cemetery each dawn of Memorial Day so my grandkids will have the same feeling they had as kids. It helps if they are exposed at a young age (6-7y.o.) and also participate in the ceremonies to really understand the significance of the day. My 9 y.o. grandson called me and asked if I knew of any servicemen who died in combat. I told him his Great Uncle in WW1, his Great-Great Uncle in the Civil War and his Great Uncle 5 times removed died in the Revolution. "Wow" was his response. So now one more young person knows the significance of Memorial Day.

Response by CPT Karen Nichols McAbee made May 31 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-05-31T10:59:12-04:00

For the past several years, my husband (USMC) and I (Army) have taken our boys to Leavenworth National on the Saturday prior to Memorial Day to assist with placing flags on the graves. the first grave we decorate is my grandfather's, who served in WWII. I always take a moment to explain who he was and why its important to remember.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made May 31 at 2016 11:16 AM

2016-05-31T11:16:16-04:00

My children are all adults but I have ten grand-children. Every year I go to the local elementary school and I give them a small presentation on the "Real Meaning of Memorial Day" After I'm done with my presentation, I play Taps! This is a copy of my presentation:
The True Meaning of Memorial Day!
For most kids, “Memorial Day” means “Fun Three-Day Weekend.” It comes in late May, when days are long and the grass is green, a preview of summer vacation to come.
Indeed, for lots of families, the Memorial Day holiday kicks off a glorious season of barbecues, swimming, and other outdoor fun.
But the true meaning of Memorial Day goes much deeper than this.
American soldiers came from all walks of life and many of them are ordinary citizens who did something extraordinary. Millions of them have died defending our freedoms and our way of life.
This Memorial Day, on Monday, as we watch parades and enjoy time with family and friends, take time to reflect and remember those from our hometown and across the country who have served and died but will never be forgotten.

Remember the True Meaning of Memorial Day:
To Honor and Remember Those Americans Who Died Defending Freedom! Our right to be free!

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America
• MEMORIAL DAY IS a day of national awareness and respect to honor Americans who have died while defending this country. It has also become a national day for remembrance.
•
Participate in Memorial Day activities in your community.
Ask your parents if they will take you to a Memorial Day Parade or Ceremony
Ask them to take you to a cemetery so that you can see all of the American Flags that are placed near the graves of all of the fallen soldiers.
Ask your mom & dad to show you how to display a flag with respect and dignity. Learn how to handle a flag when you raise and lower it. That the American Flag never touches the grown.
Red Poppies

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies

(Ask your parent’s if they can help you grow a poppy flower) The poppy can grow anywhere.

TAPS:
There are only 24 notes of Taps and when you hear it, you stand up straight, you do not talk and at the end, you do not clap or cheer.
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more emotional than the call of Taps. The melody is both eloquent (powerful) and haunting (moving) and once you hear it, you will always remember how it sounds.
On Memorial Day, TAPS is always played to honor the men and women who paid that ultimate sacrifice, their life for our Country and for our freedom.
There are no official words to the music of Taps but here is one of the most popular verses:
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

https://www.facebook.com/david.g.duchesneau/posts/ [login to see] 555927

This is me playing Taps at the Milton... - David G. Duchesneau | Facebook

This is me playing Taps at the Milton School today after I gave them an talk about what the "True Meaning of Memorial Day" really is! Dave, Sgt, USMC,...

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made May 31 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-05-31T12:26:06-04:00

You know, this is an easy one for me. In our family, we have/had people with Tattoos on their arms put there by Germans in concentration camps, we had parents who fought for this country, and came home to it, and we have uncles, cousins, friends and spouses of friends who were not given that privilege.
Our daughters learned at the feet of those who survived 'death camps', and told how grateful they were when they saw those Americans for the first time.
They listened to my father, who was on a ship, already heading for the invasion of Japan when the Nuclear Bombs ended that war. They listened to my mother, who was left a young widow by the Pearl Harbor attack, who focused her pain and anger by joining the military herself.
I don't think we actually explained the meaning of the day to them at all, but somehow, it soaked into their brains all the same. When our twins were twelve, and I was muttering to myself about how Memorial Day was not a day for sales, but that's what everyone seemed to think of, one of my girls patted my arm. "Mom, its all right... Remember what Gram-pa said? He said that he fought in those wars, so all of us could live our lives in peace.... isn't that what they are doing?"

Response by SSgt Jeremy Phillips made May 31 at 2016 12:31 PM

2016-05-31T12:31:48-04:00

Depends on the age. For my 7 and almost-5 year old, we didn't explain much. For my 16 year old, I introduced him to the obituaries of a couple of guys that I had the pleasure of knowing, told him their stories of not just how they died, but how they lived, and what they left behind. Then I asked him to take a moment and remember the sacrifice they made so that he could enjoy his life, and to live a full life in honor of those that no longer could.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 1:57 PM

2016-05-31T13:57:21-04:00

My father, a decorated Viet Nam Veteran just passed away therefore, I've had to talk with my 4 and 7 year olds abut some serious stuff lately. For Memorial Day, we talked about celebrating the lives of our friends who died protecting us. We told real stories about our real friends that are heros. They understood to some degree and then jumped in the pool with their friends. It will be a slow process, but they get it.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made May 31 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-05-31T15:46:22-04:00

Well this is an excellent question and one of which I am proud to say that I taught my kids young about what it is to serve their country. I introduced my Uncles, Cousins, Dad, and friends who all served in the military and told them that we honor them now by thanking them in person for their service to our country because it's the right thing to do and some of them might not be around much longer. We look each one of them I the eye and we shake their hands and say thank you for serving our country. We honor those that have gone before them and many more by thanking them in our hearts after they have passed away either in combat or an age rich with years and memories on Memorial Day. This is the day when all American's young and old should stop and say thank you to a fellow moving slowly with a cane or in a wheel chair,but still has the gumption to stand up when the American Flag goes by in the parade. This is the day we honor those who raised their right hand and swore on their own honor that they would protect our country and it's people from all enemies both foreign and domestic. This is the day we celebrate our family and this day by doing something together like attending a Memorial Day Program. Teach them young, teach them never to forget the sacrifices made so they can live free. God Bless America and her veterans!

Response by SFC Mamerto Perez made May 31 at 2016 5:05 PM

2016-05-31T17:05:40-04:00

Best way is by telling them, how do you remember your grandparents, friends or teachers after they passed like wise that's why you try to remember our military that pay the ultimate sacrifice.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 5:39 PM

2016-05-31T17:39:56-04:00

Tell them the truth as it pertains to all races/ethnicities...simple.

Response by MSG Don Burt made May 31 at 2016 6:29 PM

2016-05-31T18:29:10-04:00

I told my kids when they were old enough to understand that It’s a day set aside to honor those personnel who died in the process of defending their country and its Freedoms and we give them the respect for paying the ultimate sacrifice so that we, in this great nation can live those Freedoms they died for. Leave the U.S. for several months and see exactly what the rest of the world does not have and when you come back, you’ll know!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2016 6:33 PM

2016-05-31T18:33:46-04:00

Tell them the truth. I tell my kids the world is a dangerous place. We have the privilege of living under the protection of the United states military. People like daddy and his friends sometimes have to fight bad guys to keep this country free. Sometimes people get hurt and sometimes people die.
I think people have allowed our children to live in a fantasy. We don't have to subject them to horrible things but they should know what matters in life. They should know about death, in order to appreciate life and make honest choices in life. They should know how precious life is and how much a service member gives when they loose their life in defense of this nation.

Response by PO2 David Allender made Jun 1 at 2016 12:38 AM

2016-06-01T00:38:47-04:00

From the heart. Pass on what you feel about Memorial Day to your kids. Don't be bashful. Tell the truth. If you have been involved in war, don't get involved with details, but tell about the friends that did not come back home with you, and how you feel about their passing. Just be truthful and sincere, as you would sto a friend.

Response by SSgt Don Prosser made Jun 1 at 2016 1:47 AM

2016-06-01T01:47:48-04:00

I show my child pictures of my service. I point out the brothers, and my friends who did not make it home. I explain their ultimate sacrifice. My daughter understands this, as I was injured myself in the line of duty. I am also lucky to have a wife who is a veteran as well. My daughter is 10, and she is very respectful and knowledgeable of what Memorial Day is, versus Veterans day. Our family is a typical American family, that follows all traditional holidays and their meanings.

Response by SFC Ethan Graves made Jun 1 at 2016 7:35 AM

2016-06-01T07:35:21-04:00

I told mine, it is a day to remember the ones who went to fight for our country and did not come home alive.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2016 7:18 PM

2016-06-01T19:18:08-04:00

That we are happy that there are brave men and women who fight for the freedoms of others, thankful for the sacrifices they made for us, and we celebrate as a way honor them, so that their sacrifices will not have been in vain.

Response by PO2 David Allender made Jul 7 at 2016 2:43 PM

2016-07-07T14:43:49-04:00

All Vets should thank all other Vets for their services to this country, and do not forget to hour those who died in war. There is a saying that I have seen off and on, and it makes since: MOST VETERANS GAVE SOME, BUT SOME VETERANS GAVE ALL." And let us not forget the "Green Water sailors" (Coast Guard) They paid a heavy price in World war 2 and Nam. GOD bless all the Vets and be merciful to those who died in battle for their country. Fir the kids, I think teaching them duty and honor for GOD and Country could go a long way to help them understand Why Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, and Remembrance Day (November 11); a lot of vets are buried across Europe, and a lot came home broken, physically and mentally. I wish tht this nation a a remembrance day for World War 2, again many are buried across Europe and the Pacific. We owe them a day of remembrance too.

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Jul 10 at 2016 8:49 AM

2016-07-10T08:49:11-04:00

I took my boys to Arlington National Cemetery and gave them a tour. They were so engaged at the Tomb that we stayed and watched three changing of the guard ceremonies. They were 12 at the time and had a lot of questions. We spent about 6 hours walking around the cemetery talking. I was in the Old Guard for four years, so I make a pretty good tour guide.

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Jul 10 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-07-10T11:53:26-04:00

We are a military family with long history of serving by each generation, they already understand. They also know someday they willneed to chose to protect ourfreedom.

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Jul 10 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-07-10T11:55:17-04:00

Zach Brown and others. Sleeping in Dress Blues

Response by Penelope Terrell made Jul 10 at 2016 9:07 PM

2016-07-10T21:07:13-04:00

We talk about family past or present.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2016 1:29 PM

2016-07-14T13:29:04-04:00

I don't have kids I do have young nieces though. I told them Memorial Day is the day we remember and honor the men and women in the military who went to Heaven protecting good people from bad people.

Response by Pat McCracken made Aug 11 at 2016 6:05 PM

2016-08-11T18:05:08-04:00

I teach my 3rd graders that Memorial Day is to honor our military heroes who sacrificed all for the freedoms we enjoy today. Since our school ends mid-May, I make a special bulletin board display the beginning of May just for this holiday. Students bring in pictures of family/friends who lost their lives in service for our country. I teach them the difference between Armed Forces Day, Veteran's Day, and Memorial Day.

Response by Jane Carl made Aug 25 at 2016 2:37 AM

2016-08-25T02:37:32-04:00

People please i need help i was left alone with my daughter after my Husband went to Syria War and he was killed am homeless Jobless and its hard to feed my daughter

Response by TSgt Daniel Johnson made Aug 25 at 2016 3:11 AM

2016-08-25T03:11:21-04:00

Politely of course, I tell everyone man woman and child that thanks me or acknowledges my service on Memorial Day that today is not the day to thank a veteran or service member. It is a time to celebrate in honor of and in reverence to all who died in service to our nation.