Memorial Day, celebrated each year on the last Monday in May, is a day to remember America's military veterans, especially those who have died. Over the years, the country's veterans have been honored through many different art forms, and you can use the same ones to share this patriotic holiday with your nieces and nephews.

Ceremony

Though we call it 'Memorial Day' now, this holiday was initially known by another name - 'Decoration Day'. Its original name came from the many towns and cities that independently decided to decorate the graves of Union Civil War veterans beginning in 1865. The holiday was later expanded nationwide and was re-named 'Memorial Day'.

The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery occurs up to 48 times per day. How many people are buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? (4)

How many folds should there be in a properly-folded U.S. flag? (13)

What is the highest rank in the U.S. military? (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)

Song

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own official song, or hymn. Can you name some of them, or maybe sing a few bars?

Poetry

Poppies are a popular symbol of military veterans, but where did the symbol originate?

The famous poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae was written during World War I and mentions poppies in its first line:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

Art

Can you identify the location of this famous military photograph?  What branch of the military is depicted?

Food

This Memorial Day, have a patriotic picnic with ketchup, caramel peanuts, chocolate and cookies! What did these foods have to do with our veterans?

During World War II, many companies willingly and patriotically helped in the war effort. The H.J. Heinz Corporation's factory in Pittsburgh stopped making their famous ketchup and instead produced gliders and airplane parts for the Allies.

The Cracker Jack company stopped making their candied popcorn and peanut treat and made K-ration boxes for the troops overseas. The famous wax-sealed boxes kept the bugs out and the food in, making it easy to ship food safely to the servicemen and women stationed all over the world.

The Hershey Company even invented a new formula for their chocolate bars, so that the candy would not melt in the tropical heat of the South Pacific. Many soldiers enjoyed this sweet taste of home.

The Girl Scouts of America helped during World War I by collecting peach pits to use in the making of gas masks. They also sold calendars and war bonds to raise money for the war and participated in recycling drives. No Girl Scout cookies were sold during these wars due to rationing of sugar and other ingredients.

Special thanks to Dina G. Linn, Museum Technician at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Virginia for her contributions to this activity.

Published: May 29, 2010