Memorial Day -- A Teachable Moment

By Anita Paul

Once the solemn ceremonies have all passed and the flags have been folded and put away, what remains of Memorial Day is...a memory. But a Suwanee-based author hopes to see this honored observance, and others like it, receive the attention it deserves in the homes of American families.

“So many men and women have fought and died for the freedoms every American enjoys today. We owe them continuous remembrance and respect on Memorial Day and beyond,” says Pat Montgomery, a parent advocate and author of the new book “The Patriot Parent: Still the Best Hope for America.”

Montgomery, a former radio talk show host and the mind behind the popular blog “Parents Rule,” suggests that patriotism isn’t just something to be remembered on July 4th and Memorial Day, but throughout the year. She believes that parents have a special responsibility to teach children about the sacrifices that continue to be made so that all Americans, regardless of their background, can experience the freedoms that so many seem to take for granted today.

In her book she notes that the story of those who have gone to war “is the story of so many of the boys who came back men from war. They protected our country, came home and went quietly back to building their lives and rebuilding their country. It is the story of people who understood the value and blessing of living in the United States.”

For children, war is scary and the idea of fighting to protect freedoms seems obscure. However, Montgomery suggests that parents can begin the discussion about why we commemorate Memorial Day by sharing with children of all ages some of the privileges that might not exist in other countries:

• Free to worship the God of our choice, or none at all, thanks to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
• Free to have an attorney and a fair and speedy trial because of our Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
• Free to dissent when we disagree with our elected officials because of the Freedom of Speech clause in the First Amendment.
• Free from illegal searches and seizures thanks to the Fourth Amendment.
• Free from slavery as stated in the Thirteenth Amendment.
• Free to vote because of the Fifteenth and the Nineteenth Amendments.

Holidays such as Memorial Day represent a teachable moment for families, according to Montgomery. “It should be more than just a day off from school or work, but a time of remembrance, respect and gratitude.” She wrote “The Patriot Parent” to help parents shed light on what patriotism is and how they can explain and demonstrate it to their children. The book includes the texts of treasured documents, speeches and song lyrics that define patriotism and represent the pride of America.

“Despite the controversial debates in the media and among politicians and those in the business and academic sectors, America is still an international power,” Montgomery says. “I believe it is our structure, our history and our commitment to freedom that keeps America in position as a global leader. We should share this with our children every chance we get.”

(Editor's note: This article was submitted to Duluth Patch by communications specialist Anita Paul.)