Just one week away from the highly anticipated Memorial Day weekend. It is usually a warm, sun-kissed 3-day weekend, perfect time to kick of the start of summer. Signaling how close we are to the end of the school year (at least here in Michigan) finally the home stretch!!
But this weekend is so much more and I’m hoping my kids realize the importance of this Memorial Day weekend. They know that they have some relatives who have been honored to serve our country. It’s nice to add a few learning moments into this family filled weekend to help them to learn to support those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Here is a small, simple list of ideas to help teach our younger generation (and maybe even remind ourselves) to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
- Go to a Parade:
This one is a classic way to celebrate this holiday weekend. I remember the years of being in our local Memorial Day parade with my daughter (with my little guy in tow) while she was a young girl scout. There was one year when her troop got to ride along in the annual Jeep section of the parade, their little arms waving at the smiling faces in the crowd. Many towns, both big and small host a Memorial Day Parade, fun to start the day this day.
- Wear Red, White and Blue
This is a simple one that younger kids can get excited about. My teens, maybe not so much, we will see. But when younger they were excited to wear something patriotic on these special days. There are usually plenty of Red, White & Blue clothing options in the stores this time of year.
- Create some Patriotic pictures with Sidewalk Chalk
This one could be super fun for the artist, both young and old. A cute, easy way to decorate your sidewalks or driveway. Here in Michigan, a lot of us are just starting to plant our summer gardens this weekend, add some fun sidewalk chalk into the mix and have some fun.
- Support a Veteran Owned Business
This one can be a fairly easy one to do to show your support to those who served our country. Personally, we have used a Veteran owned asphalt company and Veteran owned inflatable company. Plenty of companies advertise that they are Veteran owned, and we are happy to support them.
- Visit a War Monument, Museum or Battlefield
This one is a great one if you have one available to visit locally or use this weekend to plan a trip that includes visiting a War Monument, Museum or a Battlefield. It can be a great learning moment for all. It is kind of humbling to be on the same ground as a previous battlefield.
- Host or attend a Memorial Day BBQ
Take advantage of the three-day weekend to celebrate our Veterans with a Memorial Day BBQ. There are so many fun patriotic recipes you can include to make it extra special. From Patriotic baked goods to fruit or even the traditional hot dog and hamburgers, this one is a yummy way to celebrate with family and friends.
- Participate in a Memorial Day 5k
If this is your kind of event, a quick google search showed many Memorial Day weekend 5k events near me and I’m sure you could find the same. A fun, family friendly event, for the runners and walkers in your crew.
- Send Care Packages for our Troops
An amazing way to honor our Veterans would be to support our Troops. There are many organizations that send care packages to our troops, some include “Operation We Are Here”, “Operation Shoebox,” “Operation Gratitude”, “Herobox” and “AnySoldier” just to name a few.
- Display a Flag
Show your American spirit by displaying the American Flag. Big or small you can honor our Veterans who made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. We have a new flagpole to put in the yard and hopefully it will be up and ready to fly our new American Flag, a true symbol of sacrifice and service.
Happy Memorial Day weekend. Take some time to remember the heroes who made it possible.