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Memorial Day is not just a day to have a cookout or go on a vacation. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have fought and died serving our country. One way to help our children realize this is to take them to visit loved ones we have lost in the war.

Plan a trip to visit the grave site of a loved one your family has lost in the war. Have them place flowers and/or a flag on the grave site. If your family has not lost anyone in the war, take them to visit Arlington Cemetery to see all the graves of soldiers that have died defending our freedom or to a local place that honors the Military.

On the trip to the grave site, tell your children about their loved one. Tell them stories of their childhood, what made them decide to join the service, the heroic things they did, and how they died. If you have pictures of the person, show them to your kids while you are talking about them.

This will help your kids to remember the ones they have lost. It is also a good chance for your family to spend some time reflecting on your own family history. This may be a sad trip, but your child will learn to appreciate what Memorial Day is really all about.