Dear parents, do your kids really understand the meaning of Memorial Day? How do you explain it to your little children?
For many of us, Memorial Day may mean the unofficial beginning of summer: time for warmer weather, longer days, and barbecues with friends. For kids, Memorial Day tends to mean “fun”, as they get a day off from school and gather with families doing fun activities.
But Memorial Day has a more weighty meaning. The federal holiday is a way to remember and honor military members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Experts say it’s a good idea to explain the significance of Memorial Day to kids. However, explaining Memorial Day to children is not an easy task, as it involves topics related to death and war.
As parents or adults, we need to find ideas to help kids understand the real meaning of the holiday. Annual barbecue aside, there are many ways to celebrate Memorial Day with your kids that tie back to the importance of the holiday. One of them is attending or joining events in tribute to the fallen officers or veterans. We have made you a list of five Memorial Day activities you can participate in to introduce the deeper meaning of the day to your children.
1. Memorial Day Ceremony
Invite your kids to join a memorial ceremony to remember those who have given their lives in service to the country with veterans and current service members. This is a free admission event. The ceremony will be held on May 29, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Cauble Park, 4425 Beach Street, Acworth, GA.
2. Memorial Day Tribute
If you are in the Dunwoody area, The Dunwoody Parks and Rec and City of Dunwoody will have a ceremony, keynote speakers, a performance by Callanwolde Concert Band Brass Quintet and more in honoring those who have served. This event at Broon Run Park on Monday, May 31 at 10.00 a.m. is a free one. If you plan to stay at home, this event will be streamed on Facebook.
3. Memorial Day Celebration at Veterans Monument
The ceremony will be on Monday, May 31 and begin at 11.00 a.m. at Veterans Monument 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. Mark your calendar!
4. Alpharetta’s Virtual Memorial Day Tribute
If you are hesitant to go out with kids, you can join a virtual ceremony at 9-10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 31. You can watch this event online on its official channel. A tribute with a performance of the national anthem, a keynote speaker and more will be hosted by the City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta.
5. Memorial Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park
There will be a special salute to the troops with an extended fireworks finale following the Lasershow Spectacular each night at the park. To join this ceremony, you need to register yourself since the park limits attendance to adhere to social distancing protocols. Events start on May 28 – 31 at 9.30 a.m. on 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083.