For most of us, Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer: time for warmer weather, longer days, and barbecues with friends.
Memorial Day has a much deeper meaning. It is a day to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the armed forces. For many, it is also a day to honor family and friends who have died.
That can be a tough message to get across to young kids. The simplest place to begin is to spend some time talking to your kids about what the day means to you.
Talk to them about this being a time to remember those Americans who have fought to keep our country safe and free. Share stories with them about those you have lost and what their sacrifice means for the family and the nation.
Topics like death and war can be hard concepts for kids to grasp. Use your judgment about what is appropriate for your own kids’ age and maturity level. For the youngest, you can simply explain it as a day to say thank you to the people who keep our country safe. Even if they don’t fully grasp it, kids of any age can celebrate the day.
Also, many kids learn best through tangible experiences, so activities or events are a great way to introduce the idea of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Activities with Kids
Here are a few ideas and activities for honoring service members with kids this Memorial Day:
- Visit a veterans’ cemetery. Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent is one option, as is Evergreen Washelli in Seattle.
- Take cookies, books or movies to a nearby veterans’ hospital. Call first to see what, if any, contributions are appropriate and are being accepted.
- Have your children create a card or picture to be sent to a soldier serving overseas, through organizations like A Million Thanks.
- Bake a patriotic-themed dessert, such as a rectangular pound cake shaped like a flag. Use whipped cream to frost and blueberries/strawberries for the stars and stripes.
- Check your library for books on Memorial Day, or history in general, and read them together.
- Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance. Each Memorial Day, the president issues a proclamation calling for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time. Say a prayer, light candles, sing a song, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, whatever you feel moved to do.
Memorial Day Events
Friday, May 22
- Hands On Children’s Museum | May 22-25 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Olympia | $3-$19.95 | Visit Memorial Day weekend for hands-on fun and creative patriotic activities. They are saying “thank you for your service” with 50% off admission for military families (with ID).
Saturday, May 23
- Museum of Flight | May 23-25 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Museum of Flight | Free admission to vets | In celebration of Memorial Day, veterans receive free admission all weekend long (no proof required). Through the Blue Star Museums program, active-duty military, National Guard, and Reserve members also receive free admission for themselves plus up to five family members with military ID. Offer available onsite only.
Monday, May 25
- Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony | Monday, May 25 | 9-10 a.m. | Library Park, Mill Creek | Free | Join this community ceremony and commemorate the veterans on behalf of the nation.
- Boeing Employees Concert Band Memorial Day Weekend| Monday, May 25 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | The Museum of Flight | $21-$29 | Tickets | In honor of Memorial Day weekend, enjoy a set of patriotic music performed by the Boeing Employee Concert Band. Additionally, all veterans and active duty personnel will receive free admission May 23-25.
- Garden of Remembrance | Monday, May 25 | 10 a.m. | Benaroya Hall | Free | The annual Memorial Day Ceremony returns to the Garden of Remembrance in downtown Seattle, honoring Washington residents who gave their lives in overseas service from World War II to today. This year’s ceremony features keynote speaker retired U.S. Navy Commander and Seattle City Councilmember Robert Kettle, plus a special tribute to Major Ariana G. Linse Savino of the U.S. Air Force. ADA accessible with free parking available at the Benaroya Hall Garage.
- Memorial Day Parade | Monday, May 25 | 10-11 a.m. | N. Olympic Ave, Arlington | Free | The City of Arlington’s annual Memorial Day Parade will honor fallen service members along with current military and veterans.
- Memorial Day: Kitsap Live Steamers | Monday, May 25 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | South Kitsap Regional Park | Free | All ages | Enjoy this holiday with a free train ride at the Kitsap Live Steamers to celebrate Memorial Day for the whole family.
- Memorial Day Ceremony | Monday, May 25 | 11 a.m. | Veterans Park, Lynnwood | Free | All ages | Lynnwood American Legion Post 37 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1040 sponsor a ceremony that includes music, laying of a wreath, and a rifle salute.
- Honoring the Heroes | Monday, May 25 | 9 a.m to 12 p.m. | Washington Memorial Park, SeaTac | Free | Community members are invited to participate in the Memorial Day flag placement event. As a thank you, complimentary pizza will be provided.
