Let us remember those who have died or were wounded in the service of our country this upcoming Memorial Day. First here is a little history on Memorial Day or Decorations Day. On May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union veterans) officially established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It was later changed to the last Monday in May. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. How can we participate? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Many cities have parades and ceremonies
2. Attend a memorial service at a cemetery
3. Decorate graves with flags and flowers
4. Thank a veteran
5. Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance
6. Buy a poppy
7. Say a prayer

Homeschoolers: sketch/color an illustration. Write a Memorial Day poem. Theme: protecting others. Read the story called The Happy Prince and describe how the prince protected his people.