Guest Author - Cheryl Lewis
What is Memorial Day? This is a common question from young children who get the day off from school or notice that Mom or Dad are home from work. Answering that question for a young child can be pretty difficult sometimes.
First of all you, the adult, actually needs to know what Memorial Day really is for. It does have a purpose other than pool parties, cook-outs and camping trips. Memorial Day is the day that has been set aside to honor those who have passed away, particularly our military personnel. It's actually a very somber occasion, which is why the tradition behind the Holiday isn't as strong as it used to be in my opinion.
Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day, for the decorating of the graves of the dead and buried. It's believed that this tradition was started in the South by groups of women to decorate and honor the fallen Confederate soldiers. Memorial Day was officially enacted on May 5th, 1868 and was first officially observed on May 30th, 1868*.
Explaining all of this might be difficult to a four or five year old and may even be difficult for an eight year old to understand. If your child asks you "What is Memorial Day?", think about your child's maturity level before answering.
If you believe your child is mature enough to understand the details, by all means explain the history behind the holiday. Our children need to know history, but the details need to be given at their level of understanding. If you believe your child couldn't grasp the details my recommendation would be to explain that Memorial Day is the day that people remember their loved ones who have passed away. You could explain that it's a day to go and decorate their graves with flowers and to think about the memories that person gave to them.
This is sort of a vague answer but it is enough to satisfy the curiosity of most children and gives them enough detail, that as they grow older, they will have knowledge to build on.
In honor of all those who haved died in the war on terrorism, I offer my humble prayers and thanks for their ultimate sacrifice. I pray for their loved ones and their fellow soldiers still fighting this war. I pray for peace and the safe return of our military and may God bless the American Soldier for all they have done and all they will do.
*The National Memorial Day Concert: The History of Memorial Day: PBS Online
