For many families, Memorial Day means a long holiday weekend spent at the beach or lake, a backyard cookout and extra time to spend together.
As the daughter of a career Army soldier, Memorial Day for me as a child was about honoring and remembering America's heroes - the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. On all of the military posts where we lived, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops decorated the graves of veterans with American flags every year prior to Memorial Day.
Memorial Day was originally created to honor the fallen soldiers from the American Civil War by decorating their graves with flags and flowers. Over time, Memorial Day became a day to honor the fallen from all wars.
How can you teach your kids the true meaning of Memorial Day while still enjoying the start of summer? Spend an hour or two at a virtual or in-person Memorial Day observance over the weekend, wherever you are.
Memorial Day 2025 will be observed on May 26 across the country.
You'll find a medley of patriotic songs for Memorial Day on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOnkLKq1rLY
Here are some events to observe with your family before and throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
May 23 - Stars and Stripes Forever: Patriotic Concert at National D-Day Memorial at 7 PM
National Memorial Day Concert (in-person, live streamed, and televised) - Sunday, May 25 at 8 PM on PBS and live streamed at the link. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 25 at 8 PM.
May 26 - Memorial Day Observance at Monument Terrace at 10:40 AM
May 26 - Memorial Day Observance: Honoring the Fallen at National D-Day Memorial at 11 AM
Additional events will be added as we are notified of the events.
Here's a fun kid-friendly craft to enjoy together too!
How To Make A Beaded American Flag Pin - A great kid craft to show off patriotic pride!
As Memorial Day approaches, I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to advance freedom and liberty for all at home and around the world. To the families of those who were killed, declared Missing in Action, or taken Prisoner of War, thank you for your family member's sacrifice.
