Updated May 2026
Memorial Day weekend is an exciting time in many Houston homes. The long weekend means time away from school, gatherings with friends and family, barbecues, cold drinks, and the kind of laughter that only happens when everyone’s finally in the same backyard. It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer, and we look forward to it every year.
But somewhere along the way, the real meaning behind this day has started to fly under the radar in favor of the party. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating, this holiday was created for something much bigger than burgers on the grill.
Memorial Day is the day we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. For many veterans and military families, this day carries a deep, aching weight. It broaches a nagging question in the heart of many who came home: “Why did I get to come back, but my brother didn’t?”
If you’re looking for ways to add meaning to your Memorial Day this year {and to help your kids understand the reason behind the long weekend}, here are some ideas worth folding into your celebration.
Memorial Day Education
Take a little time leading up to Memorial Day to explore its history with your kiddos. You can read all about its origins, its transformation from Decoration Day, and its establishment as a federal holiday here.
The Arlington National Cemetery website is another beautiful resource, with virtual tours and educational materials that let you and your family explore the cemetery’s history and significance from home.While you’re there, take time to learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the incredible dedication of the Sentinels who guard it. The changing of the guard ceremony is something every American should witness at least once and watching it as a family is a powerful way to start the conversation about service and sacrifice.
Honor and Remember
Take a moment to remember why we celebrate. There’s actually one already built into Memorial Day: at 3 p.m. local time, you can join thousands of others in a National Moment of Remembrance. Use it as a moment of quiet reverence, a time for prayer, or a chance to reflect on the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
Say the names of fallen heroes. Your voice helps their legacy live on. If you know someone who gave their life in service, share a memory with your kids. If you don’t know anyone personally, spend a few minutes browsing Honor the Fallen from Military Times, where you can see the faces and read the stories of the heroes we’re remembering. Simply gazing into their eyes has a way of putting everything into perspective.
Listen to “Taps.” Have a tissue ready.
Continue to Celebrate
None of this is meant to deter you from celebrating on Memorial Day. Brave men and women gave their lives so we could continue to enjoy the freedoms they fought for and gathering with the people we love is part of how we honor that gift.
The encouragement is just this: don’t let the excitement of the long weekend overshadow the real reason we gather. Try starting your time together with a moment of silence or play “Taps” before the food comes off the grill. Talk to your kids about what the day means. Say a name out loud.
And then, live and love loudly. Be joyful. Eat the brisket. Raise a glass. Soak in every minute with the people right in front of you … because that’s exactly what those heroes fought for.
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Thoughtfully written and awesome resources! I did these with my kids and it brought our focus to those we honor on Memorial Day. Their sacrifice is so important to teach kids but can be difficult to know where to start. Thank you for this Sara! And thank you to your husband for his service!