When he was two and a half, I told him the people whose names were on the brick pathway were people who had tried to aid people in faraway lands that needed someone to help them and didn’t get to come back home.
When he was three and a half, we talked about how the memorial celebrates those people from our town and wanted to help others and didn’t make it home. They ended up dying where they were helping. I didn’t talk a lot about death although he understood that what death meant that year. JDaniel’s GranDan died the winter before and he really wanted to see him. I explained to him that while he might want to come see him he wasn’t able too.
As we started down the path on the memorial grounds to check out all the flags that had been set out, we found someone who could answers some of his questions.
If you look closely, you will see an man down by the tree with rust leaves. We caught up to him and talked to him. He fought in the Vietnam War and had recently moved into our town from Kansas.
He told JDaniel he didn’t know any of the people that are remembered at this memorial. He came because being here helped him remember the friends he had lost in a faraway land. He told him that our country had sent him to help others and that was just what he had tried to do.
JDaniel seemed to understand a little more about why the memorial is important after that. For awhile he just walked down the path by the flags. There were hundreds scattered all across the lawn on both sides of the path.
Eventually he decided walking on the slope of rocks that leads up to the train track on the edge of the memorial was more fun and he was no longer quiet. He giggled and scurried up and down the slope. For a few moments though he took in all that we had told him.
So many have passed away serving our country though out the years.
JDaniel and I also talked with a lady who had stopped by the memorial to take a picture to send to her husband in Kuwait on our way to the car. Her husband will be serving there until just after Christmas. She said he would be thrilled to see how their hometown remembered its veterans. She also said she can’t wait for him to get home.
If you have would remember to hold my sister and her family in your prayers while he is gone, I would be so grateful.
How will you be celebrating Veterans Day?
Oh honey, this is such a great idea. How old are your kids? I hadn’t thought of this.
We did big Poppies in the style of Georgia O’Keefe to celebrate Remembrance Day here in Canada (same day, different names)as we talked about how soldiers in North America have kept us free and safe.
I’m a canadian and we actually celebrate Remembrance Day today. We do poppies in memory of those who fought for us…this is such a great thing to teach your little one. So sad too looking at all those flags.
I love that you make it a ritual to take him to honor the veterans. What a special idea!
I just saw this on Facebook and commented there but I will say it again. I think you are doing an amazing thing with your child. Making sure that he understands what Veterans Day is and why there is a memorial in your town and who it is in memory of. I know he will grow up with respect for our soldiers and soldiers around the world who help fight for freedom.
We’re commemorating Rembrance Day here in the UK too – when we lived in Canada, it seemed they did it better than we did: now think we’re better at it again and all due to the fact that men (and women) are actually dying now, not in the past. My Dad died during WW11, and my father-in-law went in 1951 – as result of his service then. Husband died this May, so this year has been particularly poignant.
Thank goodness Mums like you exist: Little People cannot start too young to learn about this subject. Keep it up.
I always tear up when I see Veterans things. I love the little flag, it is so important for children to be taught these things. We stop and read the word and pray today in honor and memory of those that have fought and are still fighting for our country. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this beautiful post and the prayers for the men and women who serve!
What a lovely way to teach JDaniel about Veterans Day and all it means. I also think it is fantastic that your town put out so many flags. x
Great idea! And I will be keeping your sister and her family in prayer!
What a wonderful way to teach your son about Veteran’s Day. That is quite a memorial. I’ll be using some of your tips to teach my children.
What a precious teaching moment for your boy. The pictures just warms my heart. Will keep your sister and her family in my prayers.
Wow, walking through all those flags must have been quite an experience and really brings to life how many people lost their lives. I bet he will remember this!
A great way to remember. I love the pictures with all the flags. I hope the time passes quickly for Kate and before she knows it, he is back safe and sound.
You’re a wonderful parent and patriot.
Thank you for sharing this story and pictures! Blessings!
Diedre – May I use the photo of JDaniel walking on the brick sidewalk for my post – for 21 Days of Gratitude? I’m going to publish it today: How Children Can Show Gratitude to Soldiers. Thank you. I’ll link it on the bottom.
What a great way to teach him about Veteran’s Day. Each year he will understand it a little more and ask a few more questions.
That is just awesome. What a beautiful thing to do for you and your little guy! It’s so important we take the time to remember those fallen who fought for our freedom.
I am so glad you do this each year…..
Of course, i will keep kate and all your family in my thoughts while hes deployed…
I wish more parents were teaching their children what you are teaching your young son.
I will remember your sister’s husband in my prayers.
=)
Wonderful post. Too bad more parents are not teaching their young kids this.
This was really quite touching, D.
This was a great post!
What a good way to teach him this concept…
I love that you do this each year and hearing how JDaniel has changed and grown. What a great post.
This is beautiful. We didn’t do anything special this year, but I think it is important for my kids to learn about it, and would love to do something like this for next year.
What an impotrant experience,thanks for sharing.
This post brought tears to my eyes. I have so much to say and struggling for the words. I love how that man explained so much to JDaniel. What an amazing thing to be teaching him!
I also forgot to add how I will keep your brother in law in my prayers.
What a great way to celebrate Veteran’s Day. I still treasure the memories I have from childhood of remembering veterans on Memorial Day.
Lovely tradition to teach him how important it is to remember those who served and those who lost their lives for our freedom. I will pray for your BIL. My husband is retired AF. Thanks for sharing with The Sunday Showcase!