Awakened by the sun flooding my room, I rushed out of bed. Which should I do first? Brush my hair? My teeth? Quickly get dressed and then head to the bathroom? I was frazzled. It was 9 am on a Monday morning. Clearly, I had missed school. With my bright pink hairbrush in one hand and a scrunchie in the other, I dashed to the bathroom. Mid-dash, I stopped as I noticed that my little sister's room door was closed. Had she slept in, too? It was not until I was ready for school with books in hand that I sped down the stairs only to find my patriotic father dressed in a red, white, and blue three-piece suit, holding signs for his upcoming political campaign.
"I need to head out and get in place for the parade," he said, I'll be sure to wave to you!" I slumped down on the couch in relief, thankful that it was Memorial Day and that my sister and I did not miss school. Our school year ended in June. Having that one last day off in May was always welcome, but often forgotten. It seemed to be a holiday that came and went without much thought.
To help us teach our homeschoolers the meaning of Memorial Day—ensuring that they do not forget it—here are a few facts that you can share with them! Plus, be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this post. You might be the winner of $25 Amazon cash that you can use for your homeschool or a special treat for yourself.
American flags are flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day and then raised to full-staff for the rest of the day as a symbol of the nation’s resilience and determination.
The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day. This tradition dates back to World War I, when a poem called “In Flanders Fields” described red poppies growing on the graves of fallen soldiers.
The National Moment of Remembrance was established by Congress in 2000 as a way to encourage Americans to pause for one minute at 3 pm on Memorial Day to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who died in service to the country.
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is one of the most famous military cemeteries in the United States. It was established during the Civil War, and today it is the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their families.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, and it was first observed on May 30th, 1868. One hundred years later. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which made Memorial Day a federal holiday that always lands on the last Monday of May.
Additional Memorial Day Resources for Homeschoolers
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Excellent information, thank you for sharing. Always beneficial to know these details.
ReplyDeleteLove the information, I learned a few things
ReplyDeleteI've always seen red poppies around Memorial Day, but never really gave thought to their significance. Thanks for a thought provoking read. <3
ReplyDeleteIt's always important to remember those who served to protect us. We should always make sure our children understand that many sacrificed to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy, just so they know that we can always strive for something better.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI love the facts about Memorial day, thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThe Memorial Day facts are great, thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about the red poppies.
ReplyDeleteI did not know the meaning of the red poppy until today!
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ReplyDelete