I don’t have memorial day as a regular lesson, it just didn’t seem as doctrinally necessary. And then the holiday came, and I felt the need for a quick lesson as we went about our family activities for the day. If your traditions involve visiting ancestor headstones at the cemetery, you may choose to do this lesson instead of the full regular lesson.
Before you head out to the cemetery, share with your family what the family tree looks like. You could sign into familysearch.org, or fill out this one from the Friend. Show that a family tree has a family, and then branches out into grandparents. Tell your family that the grandparents of the kids in the family are the mom and dad of the family parents. And then their parents are called grandparents. Point to any names you plan to see in the cemetery. Then list any other family members you plan to visit and how they are important to you. Ask any family member to share a story they know about any of the names.
Explain to your family that the people you are going to see were once alive, but when they died, their bodies separated from their spirits. Their spirits went to live with Heavenly Father and may visit us here on earth, though we wont see them. They can help give us guidance and protection. Their job is to help Heavenly Father with missionary work.
On your way to the cemetery, discuss proper etiquette and how to be quiet and respectful. Never walk on the East side of any headstone. Don’t use loud voices near other people visiting their loved ones. And don’t lean or sit on any headstones. Someone special and important is there and we need to respect their bodies.
While at the cemetery, look at the dates and ages. Compare dates to anything you know historically? Were they alive during a war? The Great Depression? Some other historical event? Were they a pioneer? Also, look for a symbol that if says they served in the military. If you’re there during Memorial Day, there will often be a flag showing their service. Remind your family how they are related to the individual. You may choose to leave flowers.