The fourth Monday in May has been designated as Memorial Day, a national holiday to honor those Americans who died while serving their country in the military. Originally called the Decoration Day, the day was dedicated to honor whose soldiers who died during the Civil War. It was after World War One that the day was dedicated to include all wars. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson authorized Memorial Day as we know it today. The day is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C with the placement of a small American flag at each grave marker.
Memorial Day created a great teachable moment while classroom teachers can explore the purpose of the holiday ,indicating that it is more than a day of no school, family picnics and the unofficial beginning of the summer season.
I encourage you to take a look at the numerous web sites that offer lesson plans, printable worksheets and classroom activated for your students.
The Education World web site has numerous lesson ideas for students in all grade levels. Individual and group projects are also explored. Go to http://www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/memorial_day.shtml
Another good site is Teachnology. This site also has classroom activities and lesson suggestions. You can find this information at http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/memorialday/
Finally the History Channel, a perennial site for all American holidays and history events has great video clips and a photo gallery. The link is http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history.
Our students deserve to know about their heritage and their role in American society. Teaching about patriotism should be a part of the curriculum for all students. As always your input is welcome. One of the traditions of this day is to read the poem Flanders Fields" written after World War I. A great opportunity for a class participation activity.
We owe a debt a gratitude to those who gave their lives for us.
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