Teaching My Kids the Meaning Behind the Flags

Before the smell of burgers on the grill and the chaos of our family’s treasure hunt (yes, you read that right, more on that later), we start our Memorial Day in a quieter way.

This morning, I took the kids to the local cemetery. The sky was clear, the air felt still, and the rows of American flags waved gently in the breeze, each one a small, silent tribute. I wanted them to see it. To feel it.

We walked among the headstones, and I pointed out their great-grandparents’ grave. We talked about how their great-grandfather had served in the military and how brave he must have been. Jack had a lot of questions (as usual), and Nora tried her best to understand, pointing at the flowers or the prettiest head stones, and Westley kept asking when we were going back to GGs house. Honestly, that felt pretty accurate.

Memorial Day isn’t just a long weekend or a backyard cookout. It’s a chance to remember those who gave everything so we could live the lives we do, free, safe, surrounded by family. It felt important to start the day with that reminder, especially with the kids at such a curious and observant age.

I’m glad we took the time to slow down this morning. It grounded the day with meaning before all the running, laughing, and grilled hot dogs began.

So here’s to the memories, those we hold onto, and those we make. And to the heroes who gave us the freedom to do both.

Happy Memorial Day, friends.