Memorial Day is fast approaching. I asked a few kids recently what it was all about, and considering their blank looks, I wasn’t particularly blown away by their answers. Truthfully, we spend a lot of time enjoying the day, hanging up our work, hosting cookouts, putting American flags in our potted plants, and having friends and family over. But there is a real story behind this holiday.

It’s time we teach it to the next generation.

The History Channel defines Memorial Day this way:

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe it by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.

So how do we teach our kids about the sacrifices made that we honor on this, the day of being “off” school and work, the day of hamburgers and hotdogs, of running through sprinklers, or taking out the boat to go fishing, etc. The paradox is rather startling when you stop to think about it. Our freedom to enjoy a day of life, came at the cost of another’s life.

Here are some ways to teach your kids about Memorial Day and why it’s important to remember its meaning:

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