I can't remember when I first learned the meaning of Memorial Day. I'm certain the significance was imparted to me by my parents early on, as my family, like many others, have a deep respect for our military. However, for many years, to me it was a weekend of barbecues, ice cream, and end-of-school excitement.
Then I married a soldier.
My husband has been out of the Air Force for almost seven years now, but my time as a military wife had a great impact on the gratefulness I have for the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice--their lives--but also for the ones who live and serve our country every day, by forfeiting time with their families, turning down jobs with higher incomes, and sacrificing the ability to stay in one location while their kids grow up. It is not just the men and women who selflessly serve, but their spouses and children who dedicate their lives to this country.
Certainly, as an adult, I feel deeply appreciative of such sacrifices, but how can I begin to emphasize to my children, who are both so little, how important our military--specifically our soldiers and their families--are to the stability of our own lives and the protection of our freedoms? It's not like I can look my toddler in the eye and say, "You need to show appreciation." I'd probably just get a Cheerio thrown at my head.
But thanks to some ideas that family and friends have shared over the years, I do have a list of activities that can help me create a sense of gratitude in my kids. It may not be an immediate epiphany for them, but there's nothing like repetition and hands-on experiences to show them how much some are willing to give in service to the USA. Here's the short list:
1. Pick a famous war hero and talk about his or her story. Nothing speaks to kiddos like a good story, and we have plenty of brave and heroic soldiers in our history. Do a little research and find a fun, exciting way to tell a particular man or woman's story (don't forget to start at childhood, as this is the most relatable for kids). Then, to make it stick, help your kids draw pictures and piece together something--a notebook or album--that can be taken out and rediscovered every year.
2. Visit a memorial or cemetery. Nothing says "remember" like a memorial or tombstone. We may not be in Washington DC, with it's dramatic war memorials and the striking, sobering Arlington Cemetery, but there are places nearby that are tangible reminders of sacrifice. Ardmore boasts the Military Memorial Museum, located within the Greater Southwest Historical Museum, and both Fort Sill and Fort Gibson offer military cemeteries. Closer to Edmond is the Stars and Stripes Park at Lake Hefner, with busts of Bob Hope (a big supporter of the USO) and Dwight Eisenhower (a former soldier and president).
3. Write a letter to a soldier. Writing a letter and sending a care package through an organization such as Letters to Soldiers is a effective way to tell a soldier up front how much you appreciate him or her. The process of putting a package together or writing an encouraging letter can be exciting for a child of any age, and it's not something they're likely to forget.
4. Sponsor a small fundraiser for a charity dedicated to soldiers and/or their families. A lemonade stand, bake sale, or yard sale are all easy methods for raising a small sum of money to send to one of the many charities that support soldiers and their families (just make sure to research the charity to ensure the money is going where it should). This is a way for children to understand how we as citizens can make a difference for those who give so much.
And now all that's left to do is follow my own advice. Perhaps I can tackle all four of these, or maybe just one. The thing is, it's no use writing about it otherwise. Actions speak louder than words.
Happy Memorial Day.
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