Memorial Day Worksheets

Weary teacher, we know you can almost taste the ice-cold lemonade and feel the splash of summer's first swim as you sit poolside for hours on end. Don't worry; Memorial Day is right around the corner and that means summer break cannot be far behind. While this holiday tends to signal the unofficial start to your favorite season, it is much more meaningful than that.

Memorial Day first began as Decoration Day. It was originally designed as a day to lay wreaths and flags on the graves of fallen soldiers from the Civil War. After World War I, the day expanded to honor all the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Recognized as a national holiday in 1971, the last Monday in May has been a day of remembrance ever since.

As you help your students prepare for Memorial Day, consider honoring those among us who are still serving, in memory of those who have given their lives for our country. Try connecting with a local military base and have your students write letters to be sent to servicemen and women overseas. Why not have them create patriotic artwork that could be used to decorate a local Veterans Hospital? If your students are in the mood to serve, perhaps the group could collect hygiene items and donate them to a Veteran's resource center. There are endless things that can be done to make the most of this meaningful holiday. Take advantage of them and help your students learn about the ultimate sacrifice so many have made.