Most people think of Memorial Day as the first three-day weekend of the summer season, even though summer is still a few weeks away. Many of those people look forward to the sales and children look forward to an extra day off of school. However, it is worth telling them that there’s more to the holiday.

One thing you want to be sure to do as a family is to explain that the holiday was originally set up to honor the soldiers from the United States who had died during the Civil War. Since the holiday began in the 1850s, it has continued to commemorate fallen soldiers from every war and armed conflict that the United States has been a part of.

Talk about the children’s ancestors who fought, and possibly died, during one of the country’s wars. Did their great-grandfather serve during World War I, or their grandfather in World War II? They may have had an uncle who was a soldier during the Vietnam conflict, or possibly they have someone currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Use this day to talk about the sacrifice of the soldier, but also the entire family, when they go away to war. These soldiers have offered their lives during the time they’re fighting for the freedom that we all hold so dear. It is important that we recognize their sacrifice and honor their memories.

Take time to participate in any activities planned in your community for Memorial Day. Be sure to display the flag and teach your children the proper way to display it, how to handle the flag while it’s being raised and again as it’s being lowered. If you’re not sure about the proper handling of a flag, you can find the information on the internet or look inside the case your flag came in. There is likely information in the box.

Make sure your children know how to say the Pledge of Allegiance, how to sing the Star Spangled Banner, and other patriotic poems and songs. Encourage them to sing along or recite these things when they’re being performed.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because a number of women decorated the graves of the soldiers who had died during the Civil War. Paper poppies are also sold and worn to commemorate the day. As time passed, the holiday was officially changed to Memorial Day and given a specific day each year to be celebrated – the last Monday of the month of May.

If you’re wondering how to teach children the meaning and importance of Memorial Day, use some of these ideas. Your child will appreciate knowing the meaning behind the holiday and still enjoy the day off.

Start planning at least a month in advance. This will give you plenty of time to go around the neighborhood, introduce yourself, and ask if they would be interested in the party. Get names and telephone numbers from each of them so you can keep in contact with them. Set up a planning meeting at your home or the neighborhood recreation center or club house if it has one.

Decide where the party will be held. Contact your city government to see if you must have a permit. This may be necessary if you want to close off the street and have an old-fashioned block party. If this isn’t possible, will the neighbor with the biggest yard allow you to have the party at their home?

Plan the layout of the party once you know the location. Where will the food be placed? How many grills will there be? Where will everyone sit? Will there be tables and chairs provided or will they each be responsible for bringing their own lawn chairs? These are all questions you’ll want to answer as soon as you can so you can let your neighbors know what is expected of them.

Set the date and time. Which day of the three-day weekend will the party be: Saturday, Sunday, or Monday? Once you have the what, when, and where, you can begin making fliers to hand out. Be sure to decide on an alternate date or location in case of rain. Don’t forget to ask everyone to RSVP so you know how many to plan for. This will ensure no one purchases more than necessary.

For the party itself, there will need to be food, beverages, paper goods, and condiments. Ask everyone to chip in so one family won’t be in charge of providing everything. Plan for everyone to either provide something for the party or be in charge of an activity.

Of course, if there are children in the neighborhood, you’ll also want to plan some games. Water balloon tosses, a game of Frisbee, croquet, or horseshoes are all activities both children and adults may enjoy. Be sure that if you choose a game or activity with water, you include that on the invitation or flier so everyone can be prepared.

Decorations don’t have to be elaborate. In fact, having tablecloths of red, white, and blue and a few patriotic balloons may be all you need. For those who choose to decorate more, try to keep your decorations so they can be used for the Fourth of July or used again next year.

Depending upon the location, do as much set up as you can the day before the party. If you have to wait until the day of the party, call everyone who is bringing something and ask them to meet you early to set up. This will ensure the party will go off without a hitch when guests start to arrive.

Once you know how to organize a neighborhood Memorial Day party, don’t let that stop you! Plan regular neighborhood get-togethers and you’ll soon find your neighbors are good friends. That’s the way it was in the past, isn’t it time it’s the way of the future?