📖

Memorial Day and Veterans Day: Honoring Service

American Holidays: Remembering Our History

Day 170of 180
Week 34of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the meaning of Memorial Day and Veterans Day

2

Learn about service and sacrifice

3

Appreciate those who protect our country

📖 Scripture Connection

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

— John 15:13 (WEB)

Teaches about sacrifice and serving others

📦 Materials Needed

  • American flag
  • White paper
  • Colored pencils or crayons
  • Pictures of soldiers and veterans
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Begin by showing an American flag and asking children what they know about special days that honor brave people

💭 Review Question: Who helps keep our country safe?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain Memorial Day and Veterans Day simply: Memorial Day honors soldiers who died protecting our country, and Veterans Day honors all who have served in the military

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Soldiers are brave people who protect our country
  • Some soldiers give their whole life to keep us safe
  • We can thank veterans and their families for their service
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What does it mean to be brave?
  • How can we show thankfulness to veterans?
  • Why is it important to remember people who serve?
3Activity: Thank You Card for a Veteran (7 min)
hands-on

Children will create thank you cards for veterans or military families

📝 Instructions:
  1. Fold white paper in half
  2. Draw a picture showing thankfulness
  3. Write a simple message like 'Thank you for keeping us safe'
  4. Decorate with red, white, and blue colors
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw card outline for children

Challenge: Write a longer, more detailed message

4Closing (3 min)

Review what we learned about honoring those who serve

📝 Review Questions:
  • What are Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
  • Why do we say thank you to soldiers?
  • How can we show respect to veterans?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the brave men and women who protect our country. Help us to be thankful and kind to those who serve. Amen.

Coming up: Next week, we'll learn more about American history and the people who helped build our country

💎 Memory Verse

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

— John 15:13 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Hand motions: Point to heart, then to others when saying 'friends'

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Helps children understand national holidays and the concept of service

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language about military service
  • Emphasize respect and gratitude
  • Be sensitive to families with military connections
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might not fully understand complex ideas of sacrifice

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Understanding of gratitude and respect for service

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Visit a local veteran's memorial
  • Interview a family member who has served
  • Learn about military branches

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 171 →Back to History & Social Studies