Memorial Day is a somber time, yet also one of respect and honor. Below are ten writing prompts to challenge your older elementary/middle/high school homeschooler with. Be sure to discuss their thoughts with them after they have completed journaling, as many children will have questions and concerns. If you are a military veteran, thank you. For military families, God bless you.

1. Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day to honor the fallen soldiers after the Civil War, by decorating their headstones. How do you think this practice helped grieving families of soldiers who died during battle?

2. In 1915 Moina Michael started selling poppies to raise money for veterans. The red poppy, reminding us of the blood shed from our soldiers, is still sold today. Have you ever bought a poppy? Have your parents? Have you seen them being sold in your town? How do you think this practice can aid the veterans in our country?

3. Create a written timeline describing all of the major wars in which America has faced. Write a basic description of each war, and include facts and figures about veterans of these wars.

4. Interview a veteran in your local area. Contact a VFW post in your town to meet with a veteran (bring along your parent, too) and ask him about his, or her experiences. This might be an ideal speaking opportunity for a veteran to present to your homeschool group, as well.

5. What is a list of reasons a country might go to war with another country?

6. Do you have a parent or relative in the military? How has this experience affected your family? If you do not, how do you think you would feel having a family member in the military? How would you feel if he or she was called to war?

7. Would you consider becoming part of the military? Why or why not?

8. List the ways you can personally honor our soldiers returning from war.

9. What does it mean to be patriotic? Are you patriotic? Why or why not?

10. Soldiers who go to war sacrifice their lives for the good of their country. Is this a sacrifice you feel people should be willing to make if needed? Why or why not? Should there ever be a military draft? Why or why not?