Children's Books for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day

Adding wholesome, values-based children's books to your home library that you don't have to pre-read and vet is only made possible by Big Sky Life Books' strict vetting process.

Teach Your Children the History of These Holidays

Do you want your kids to see Memorial and Veteran's Day as more than just another excuse for a BBQ? Take a look at this wholesome book collection. Teach your children the history behind these holidays and read these books together. Watch The Changing of the Guard and the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Stop by military cemeteries on your road trips. Help your children understand and respect the ultimate sacrifice that was made by so many.

And if you go camping for Memorial Day weekend - expect it to rain. After all, it always does!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, formerly Decoration Day, in the United States, holiday (last Monday in May) honoring those who have died in the nation’s wars. It originated during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May. Memorial Day is observed with the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I and was known as Armistice Day. It was commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown soldier from World War I at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Veteran's Day

Veterans Day, in the United States, national holiday (November 11) honoring veterans of the armed forces and those killed in the country’s wars. The observance originated in 1919 on the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I and was known as Armistice Day. It was commemorated in 1921 with the burial of an unknown soldier from World War I at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Ceremonies are held each year at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and floral tributes are placed on the graves of service men and women and at memorials throughout the country.

In Britain, Canada, Australia, and France November 11 is observed in honor of the veterans of World Wars I and II. In Britain the second Sunday of November is observed as Remembrance Sunday, and in Canada November 11 is observed as Remembrance Day. In Britain and the Commonwealth countries and in countries of Europe, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11:00 AM on November 11, the time and date of the World War I armistice in 1918.

Twenty-One Steps - Hardcover

The tomb of the unknown soldier has been guarded since 1926 and around the clock since 1937. Rain or shine, the Tomb Guards are devoted to the Sentinel's Creed. Extreme discipline, stamina and perfection is required for those in this position.

We watched The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as a family recently. What a great example of character traits we want for our children: Respect - Discipline - Honor.

With every step, the Tomb Guards pay homage to America’s fallen. Discover their story, and that of the unknown soldiers they honor, through resonant words and illustrations.

Published on the 100th anniversary of the tomb's creation, this book tells the story of how the Arlington Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came to be. Keeping vigil are the sentinel guards, whose every step, every turn, honors and remembers America’s fallen.

Becoming a Sentinel Guard is no easy task and many who begin the Tomb Guard training do not measure up to the standard of perfection required.

This book is full of beautiful, realistic illustrations and is an excellent choice to read to your children on Memorial or Veteran's Day.

For further information on the Tomb Guards - visit this link or look on YouTube for many videos of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown.

Society of the Honor Guard | Home (tombguard.org)

The Star Spangled Banner - Paperback

A book for every patriotic American kid!

The riveting American saga of "The Star-Spangled Banner" has never been so beautifully and thoroughly presented. This info-packed story of our national anthem includes:

★ Illustrated lyrics
★ The fascinating history of the War of 1812 and the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words
★ Musical notation
★ Historical images
★ A reproduction of Key's original manuscript

Sing your heart out and learn additional verses to our Star-Spangled Banner.

The Poppy Lady - Hardcover

Here is the inspiring story behind the Veterans Day red poppy, a symbol that honors the service and sacrifices of our veterans.

When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to ensuring the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today.

"One Saturday morning, a soldier left a magazine at her desk. Moina turned to a marked page to find 'We Shall Not Sleep' by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician. She had read the poem many times, but she read it again, touched by McCrae's tribute to the soldiers he could not save on the battlefields of the Flanders. The poem was 'most strikingly illustrated in color.' Spirits of soldiers floated above a battleground covered in white crosses and bright red poppies. There were no names on the crosses. No memory of who rested beneath the red poppies.

And Moina knew what she had to do.

The Wall - Paperback

This is the wall, my grandfather's wall. On it are the names of those killed in a war long ago.

Read about a little boy and his father visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Together, they search for the boy’s grandpa’s name on the wall. During their visit, the little boy meets a decorated soldier in a wheelchair. Eventually, the father finds his dad’s name and places a picture of the boy by the wall. This is a great book to educate children about the brave soldiers who fought and lost their lives fighting in the Vietnam War.

Summary

These wholesome books are an excellent choice to read near Memorial Day or Veterans Day or related to war, soldiers, or patriotism discussions. Check out our Patriotic children's book category.

• Stay connected: Keep up with the latest children's book trends and tips. Find me on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest.
• Visit the website: www.bigskylifebooks.com