LESSON PLAN FOR REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN - MEMORIAL DAY

... I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

Memorial Day weekend will be here in a week. Three glorious days off for most of us. What plans do you have? Are you going to picnic, party, and play? If you are in Seattle are you going to the Folk Life Festival? If you are in Bellingham will you participate in the annual "Ski to Sea"? I asked twenty ordinary people in the Northwest what Memorial Day meant to them. They ranged in age from nine to eighty-two, and here are their answers:

1 . Remembering those who have gone before us.
2. Camping, family and bar-b-ques.
3. Camping and death, because of the word "memorial." (from the nine year-old)
4. Remembrance.
5. My dad, because he's a veteran.
6. Camping and Sea to Ski.
7. Veterans and stuff.
8. Remember people who cared for us.
9. People who fought for our country both alive and dead.
10. Those who fought for our rights.
11. Memorial Day is like something with dead people.
12. I don't know. I think about my grandpa because he was in the war.
13. All the people who died in war for our country.
14. Honoring all of those people who have affected my life, or anyone significant, who died for us.
15. A day off.
16. When you buy little red posies.
18. I remember those who served in the war, and we show respect by flying the flag at half-mast to remember those who died.
19. I can wear white pumps. It's the beginning of summer.
20. I think of Anzac Day in Australia. Note: This is a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, that now commemorates those who died in military operations for those countries.

Believing that many of us have a sketchy understanding of our country's history, I did some research. Here is what I learned.

Memorial Day, first celebrated on May 30, 1868, was originally called Decoration Day. It was a day to honor the fallen on both sides during the Civil War In the words of General John A Logan, an order was declared on May 5, 1868, as follows:

"The 30th of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance, no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."

In 1971 Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. The purpose was to honor all those who had died in all of America's wars. This is not to be confused with Veteran's Day in November, which is a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, on November 11.

Thinking about all this is particularly poignant for me having recently returned from Virginia's Historic Triangle, (See May 9 blog) and Appomattox where Generals Lee and Grant signed a treaty ending the Civil War. While there we visited the surrounding battle fields, now beautiful and tranquil on a warm spring day, and it was hard to envision the slaughter, despair and heartache of that horrific time in our country's past. If taking time to remember what war means and the toll it takes will lessen the possibility of further wars, then we should do that.

Now, if you are unable to visit the Historic Triangle or Appomattox, where remembering the past is a daily occurence, take time during the upcoming three day weekend to remember those who died so that you can live to party, play and picnic. Here are some ways you can do that:

1. Pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day. This is the "National Moment of Remembrance" established by Congress. If you are driving, turn on your lights.

2. Explain to your children what Memorial Day is all about, now that you know more.

3. Participate in any Memorial Day event related to remembering our fallen soldiers.

4. Call a veteran you know, or a family of a veteran, and thank them for their service.

5. Fly a flag at half-mast until noon.

6. If you can, buy some red carnations and place them on the graves of soldiers in a local cemetary.

7. Listen to some of the songs on the Youtube address below. You will be glad you did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_klwtm67ogg

8. If you are a teacher, go to the following two sites for some good ideas in how to provide your students with an understanding of Memorial Day:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday/

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson119.shtml

9. And finally, after you have spent a few minutes thinking about the past sacrifices of those who have gone before us, celebrate the privilege of living today with a party or picnic. To help you with some tasty recipes, go to http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/memorial-day/main.aspxThere you will find recipes for a delicious BBQ flank steak, whisky grilled baby back ribs, strawberry lemonade, delicious salads, and easy mint chocolate icecream. If you want a real old fashioned experience, you will even find out how to make the ice cream in a bag.

An early Happy Memorial Day to you all!