I worked all weekend, but addressed the history and origin of Memorial Day with my kiddos who are school aged. I do the same with all secular holidays.

I don't address religious holidays unless the child brings it up. I've explained to all my parents when the touchy topics come up that I will always answer a kid's question to the best of my ability at their cognitive level. I let the parents know what I was asked and how I answered, so they can address the child's concerns also. I try to be respectful, yet honest.

Yes! I have no idea what Memorial Day sales have to do with our lost veterans. For some reason, this day informally kicks off summer. We just had our meal at home. On this day, we always have a place set for the veteran lost in service. I usually place a WWII uniform over the chair to draw attention to it. My husband and I play in a band that performs at a memorial service at a cemetery. There are no young people in attendance. Each year, the number of townspeople attending gets smaller.