Today we’re in Branson, mecca of family entertainment and as American as apple pie. I’m contemplating how I can help my children (especially Bethany), understand the solemnity of this holiday.
How do I teach her abstract concepts
such as honor, bravery, and fighting for freedom?
Her life is so simple- she doesn’t even understand why people fight or are mean- so how can she understand something as complex as war? But she lives in a free country because of the bravery and sacrifice of many- and I want to teach her to know that somehow.
I remember going to the cemeteries every Memorial Day (we always went to two different ones- one where my mom’s side was buried, and the other outside our small town where my dad’s side was buried) There was something beautiful about the cemetery in May: the peonies in full bloom, the people gathering in poignant silence, the honor guard posting the colors, the words commemorating the fallen, listening to the names called of the ones who had served and died, the guns salute, the bugle blowing taps, and then dispersing to our “loved ones headstones” to put fresh flower arrangements on the graves of my grandfathers and my uncles. I remember my grandmothers, aunts, and mom teary, my father stoic and I, myself was teary and deeply moved but unsure of the magnitude of the celebration of this day. Each successive Memorial day, built and developed a sense of thankfulness and gratitude.
Sigh- Sadly, my own children have been to few Memorial Services, and we no longer live anywhere near the graves of our loved ones to “decorate” them. My two Aunts that are still living, faithfully and lovingly complete this task. (and for that I am thankful beyond words.) For Bethie, holidays are abstract, except for Christmas and Easter – they have enough concrete symbolism to understand what is behind the celebrations. But it’s difficult to explain concepts such as death and why we put flowers by stones that have names on them. So today, we thank my Dad, PaPaw- who served in World War I, we wave a little flag and I try to honor the those who sacrificed their lives by teaching my children to be thankful for freedom and love those who are living.
Thankful for Freedom!
Surprising Treasure: There is a blessing when we pause and share in remembering.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVE(D) OUR COUNTRY!
MAY AMERICA BLESS GOD AND THEN GOD WILL BLESS AMERICA!
Thank your dad for me too Cindy…It is because of him and others like him that we can worship God freely and walk where we please and say what we want. I never understood how we can forget the sacrifices of all those that served and those that continue to serve. Loved your ending sentence…May America Bless God and then God will Bless America….How true. Love your posts
Blessings Charlene- celebrating freedom with you!
Trying to instill t he meaning of FREEDOM, HONOR, etc. are very difficult! I too struggle with the younger ones. Going to the parade is more for candy, than for Soldiers…although, we do try to help them understand it is respectful to stop and CLAP for our fellow citizens who once Fought for the this country, as well as those who are still fighting, and those who died while fighting. Where would we be without men and women who sacrifice – sometimes everything – for us.
Hopefully, we all grow in our understanding and even the larger picture of the liberty Christ gives us as He conquered evil and laid down His life for us all- His supreme act of love and service for humanity – (you’ve been entered into the drawing Amber)
You describe your memories as if I am right there with you, seeing and experiencing it, too. I don’t know that anyone tried to explain those big concepts to me, when I was little. All I remember is my mom telling me those who died were safe with Jesus (they couldn’t come back to us, but one day we could go to be with them). The somber reflections (why do soldiers have to fight, etc) came later, as I grew and came to realize more. From my own perspective, it seems little ones are just more accepting of what is, while it’s the rest of us who want explanations. Thank you for sharing another beautiful part of your heart with us, Cindy!
Good point Edy- I just remember the feeling of patriotism and love of country- being proud somehow, of relatives I didn’t know, because of my Mom and Dad being proud of them- I just need to remember that it’s ok if Bethany doesn’t ever really “understand” some of these things- it’s most important she learns to be loving and caring-