This weekend, as I know you all know, we as a nation will honor all those who have sacrificed to preserve the freedom that is so often abused and taken for granted. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971 and to many Americans that is all it will be – a holiday – cookouts, day off from work, family picnic etc. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with any of those things. In fact, they are good things and we can celebrate with them precisely because because we are free.

But our tribute to those who gave it all should be so much more, so much more.

May I encourage you to use this opportunity in your homeschooling to share with your children the real meaning and history behind this holiday. I have found some resources to help you with this.

US Department of Veteran Affairs
On this page, you will find the following

• A wonderfully readable “History of Memorial Day.”
• General Order No. 11 issued by the Commander in Chief on May 5, 1868
• The story of “Taps”
• The Poppy Flower (Did you ever wonder why veterans wore the poppy? I did, but now I know why.)

Patriotic Melodies
Learn the inspiring stories behind our patriotic songs

History of Sacrifice

• Timeline of American Wars
• Statistics of Americans killed or wounded in action

Old Glory: Great info about our flag!

• Flying the Flag at Half-staff
• Guidelines for Displaying the Flag
• Folding the Flag – Includes the significance of each of the folds & diagrams illustrating the proper way to fold the flag
• Flag Timeline

The Memory Shall Be Ours: Celebrating Memorial Day: A Memorial Day online lesson plan containing links to many sites, suitable for all ages including highschool.

The following links contain ways you can support our men and women who are fighting for our freedom even as you read this:

• An inspiring story about two teens and their endeavors to support our troops and how you can help
• Donate a Calling Card
• Donate to One of the Military Relief Societies
• Donate to Operation USO Care Package
• Send a Virtual Thank You from the America Supports You Website
• Support U.S. Soldiers
• Text a Message of Thanks to U.S. Troops to 89279 (TXASY)
• Volunteer to Help Veterans

God Almighty,

Thank you for the freedom we live in. Thank you for all who have paid such a dear price to preserve it. Thank you, too, for the families of those who have served, for their sacrifice has been great as well.
Lord, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for all you have given and may this gratitude be expressed through our living our lives in a way that is pleasing to you.

In Jesus name, who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, so that all who receive Him will know eternal Freedom.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Sue

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