FAMILY FUN DAY – MEMORIAL DAY HAPPENINGS

This coming Monday, May 25th, we will celebrate Memorial Day. While many families will celebrate with picnics, cookouts, and barbecues, there is much more to recognize on this important day. This year, consider adding a military observance or celebration in addition to your other festivities.

 Northeast Ohio Family Fun has compiled a wonderful list of area Memorial Day events in Northeast Ohio. The list can be found at http://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/memorial-day-events-northeast-ohio/. This comprehensive list is organized by county and city so you can easily find an event nearby. From parades and fairs to marching bands and formal memorial observances, there are plenty of options to choose from. Find something that fits your family and make it an annual tradition.

Details:

Hours

• Many of the events will take place on Memorial Day – Monday, May 25th. However, some fairs and festivals will last the entire weekend. Many parades and memorial services take place before noon. Consult the Northeast Ohio Family Fun list for more information — http://northeastohiofamilyfun.com/memorial-day-events-northeast-ohio/.

Admission

• Admission is free to the majority of the memorial services. Some cities are also including cookouts or pancake breakfasts, which do cost a few dollars.

Address

• The list includes events in the following counties: Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Mahoning, Portage, Summit, Stark, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, and Wayne.
  

Phone

• If you have any questions about a specific event, call the local city hall and ask for more information.

Tips

• As we all know, Ohio weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring an umbrella, just in case. (Don’t forget the red, white, and blue!)
• If you are going to a parade, bring a folding chair.
• Attending a cookout or picnic? Don’t forget a picnic blanket! You may also consider bringing outdoor games or toys to amuse your youngest kids.
• Consider visiting the grave site of any family members who are military veterans. Work together with your kids to come up with a pretty display.

Discussion Points

• Ask your children why we celebrate Memorial Day. What do they do at school to observe Memorial Day?
• For your youngest learners, talk about why the colors of Memorial Day are red, white, and blue. Discuss the flag and the reason for the thirteen stripes, fifty stars, and choice of colors.
• Discuss any family members or family friends who are currently serving or have served in the military. What branches? What can they do on Memorial Day to thank them for their service?
• Brainstorm ways that you can support the military and our veterans throughout the year. Do some online research into different organizations or charity events and participate as a family. Maybe you can write letters, visit a home, or donate used goods.
  

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: [MEMDAY27CUT-03.JPG]. RETRIEVED MAY 21, 2015 FROM HTTP://WWW.OHIO.COM. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL. PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN SCHIELY.