For lots of families, Memorial Day weekend means the unofficial start of summer: burgers on the grill and kids counting down to pool time. But for YOU, it can also bring up a surprisingly hard question. How do you explain Memorial Day to kids in a way that feels honest, age-appropriate and meaningful without being too heavy.
The good news? You don’t need the perfect words or a history lesson. Memorial Day can simply be about gratitude, kindness and remembering the people who helped protect others.
Talk About Helpers.
Kids understand the idea of people who help keep others safe. You can explain that some people choose jobs where they can protect and serve others. — including members of the military. This also includes firefighters, police officers, doctors and first responders. Memorial Day is a time when we especially remember the military heroes who died while serving our country.
You don’t have to make it heavy. A simple, heartfelt explanation is enough:
“Today we remember brave people who helped protect others.”
- For the Origins of the Holiday:
- A Day for Rememberin’ by Leah Henderson & Floyd Coope. For ages 6 – 9, this story tells the deeply moving, true story of what is regarded as the first Memorial Day in 1865. It’s told through the eyes of a young boy participating in the very first Decoration Day.
- For Understanding the Vietnam Veterans Memorial:
- The Wall by Eve Bunting. For ages 4 – 7, this story follows a young boy and his father visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memoria. They go in search of the boy’s grandfather’s name, highlighting all-important remembrance.
- The Wall by Eve Bunting. For ages 4 – 7, this story follows a young boy and his father visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memoria. They go in search of the boy’s grandfather’s name, highlighting all-important remembrance.
- For the Symbolism of the Poppy:
- The Poppy Lady by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh. For ages 4 – 7, this is the inspiring true story of Moina Belle Michael. Michael was a Georgia schoolteacher who campaigned to make the red poppy a national symbol of remembrance for veterans.
- The Poppy Lady by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh. For ages 4 – 7, this is the inspiring true story of Moina Belle Michael. Michael was a Georgia schoolteacher who campaigned to make the red poppy a national symbol of remembrance for veterans.
- For Understanding the Military & Arlington:
- Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld. Kids in grades 2 – 5 can appreciate this solemn look at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the soldiers who guard it.
- Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner. For preschoolers and early elementary ages, this story explores the famous demonstration in Washington, D.C., where veterans and their supporters gather to pay tribute to U.S. armed forces.
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