Meaningful ways families can mark Remembrance Day in a COVID world
I’ve always taught my boys how lucky we are to live in Canada, and I’ve explained to them that we owe our freedom to the brave men and women who fought for our country.
Nov. 11 provides a wonderful opportunity for all of us to honour our veterans. Here are five meaningful ways to celebrate Remembrance Day this year.
1. Learn something about our history — Watch documentaries, get books from the library, and talk to veterans in your family. Chatting with my grandfather (who was a Second World War veteran) really helped my children feel connected to history. My oldest son even did interviews with him (and documented his service) for a school project.
2. Offer financial support — The Royal Canadian Legion uses Remembrance Day to raise money to support veterans. You can do your part by buying a poppy, making a donation, or purchasing something from the Poppy Store (PoppyStore.ca).
3. Send a letter or card — Veterans Affairs Canada has a program called “Postcards for Peace.” Postcards for Peace allows young people to send postcards with messages of thanks to those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict, and peace. Check out the website www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/classroom/postcard-for-peace eng/remembrance/classroom/ postcard-for-peace
4. Make a craft — Remembrance Day crafts are especially great for younger kids who may not fully understand the history of what we are celebrating. I made one of my favourite Remembrance Day crafts with my youngest son a few years ago: a popsicle stick frame. Start by having your child paint four crafts sticks green. After the paint has dried, use a 4 x 6 photo as a guide, and glue the ends of the popsicle sticks together to form a frame. Then, cut 16 small hearts from red paper (my son used a heart-shaped punch, but freehand works too). Glue four hearts onto each corner of the frame to create four poppies. Glue black buttons into the middle of the poppies and allow the glue to dry completely. Finish by taping a picture of your favourite veteran to the back of the frame, or have your child draw one. You can add a ribbon for hanging, or you can attach magnets to the back.
5. Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony — It’s a wonderful way to show respect and honour veterans. If ceremonies are not held in person this year due to COVID-19, try taking in a televised service.