Beyond the BBQ—Celebrating Memorial Day with Children

Honor the past; Inspire the Future

As a children’s book author who writes stories about values like honor, gratitude, and doing what’s right, I believe in helping kids connect with the “why” behind our holidays.

Memorial Day is more than an extra day off—it’s a powerful opportunity to teach the next generation about courage, sacrifice, and service in heartfelt, age-appropriate ways.

Here are five simple but powerful ways to make Memorial Day meaningful for your little ones:

• Share a Story About a Real Hero
  Children connect deeply through stories. Share a tale about a family member or hero who served. You can even draw a picture together of what it means to be brave.

• Read a Patriotic or Honor-Themed Book
  Look for books that gently introduce themes like country, courage, and character. Rhyming books are especially powerful for younger readers and make discussions easier to start.

• Make a Red, White & Blue “Thank You” Craft
  Create thank-you cards, a paper wreath, or a mini flag together—and deliver them to a local veterans’ organization or memorial site.

• Attend a Local Parade or Memorial
  Parades, flag ceremonies, or even walking through a veterans’ park can spark powerful conversations. Keep explanations simple and heartfelt: "We're here to say thank you to people who helped protect our country."

• Light a Candle or Take a Moment of Silence
  A simple pause to reflect or whisper “thank you” can be incredibly powerful for children—and for us, too.

Thank you for raising children rooted in kindness, reflection, and honor. These little moments—quiet crafts, thoughtful stories, or simple conversations—plant seeds that grow into strong, compassionate hearts.

If you're looking for a story to spark conversations about character, service, and honor, I hope you'll check out my book, Ethan’s Word of Honor. It follows Ethan the Eagle as he learns what honor really means with the help of his grandfather, Papa Eagle. It’s a great read for families this Memorial Day and all year round. 💙

Click either picture to learn more. It’s on sale, too!

Wishing you a warm, meaningful Memorial Day filled with love and remembrance.