Scripture
13 – And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.
1. I have a fam’ly tree
With branches by the dozens.
I have grandpas. I have grandmas.
I have uncles, aunts, and cousins.
2. When it’s reunion time,
No matter what the weather,
It is such a happy day
When the fam’ly gets together.
They the Builders of the Nation
1. They, the builders of the nation,
Blazing trails along the way;
Stepping-stones for generations
Were their deeds of ev’ry day.
Building new and firm foundations,
Pushing on the wild frontier,
Forging onward, ever onward,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!
2. Service ever was their watchcry;
Love became their guiding star;
Courage, their unfailing beacon,
Radiating near and far.
Ev’ry day some burden lifted,
Ev’ry day some heart to cheer,
Ev’ry day some hope the brighter,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!
3. As an ensign to the nation,
They unfurled the flag of truth,
Pillar, guide, and inspiration
To the hosts of waiting youth.
Honor, praise, and veneration
To the founders we revere!
List our song of adoration,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!
Lesson
*For Younger Children* Explain why we celebrate Memorial Day. Honor an ancestor. Discuss why it is important to honor our ancestors. Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.
What is Memorial Day?
Explain to your children that Memorial Day is a special day set aside to honor veterans who have sacrificed for our country, our ancestors and others who have passed away. Emphasize that on Memorial Day we should also honor people who have died serving our country and fighting for our freedom. Explain that even though we may not have met these people, even our own ancestors, we owe so much to them.
Honor a family member
Take this time to honor one of your family ancestors. Select an ancestor who may have sacrificed a lot for their descendants – whether they served in the military, walked across the plains as a pioneer, or sacrificed in another way. You may consider showing pictures, telling stories, or even reading diary excerpts.
General Authority personal story: Read the following quote from Elder Cecil O. Saumelson’s talk from the Friend.
“I have great love for my ancestors. It’s comforting to know that not only my father, who has passed away, but also my grandparents, great-grandparents, and others who have died are cheering for me and for my family. I believe that is true for everyone. Our ancestors love us, and we should love them, just as we love our relatives who are with us now.”
Discuss the following questions
- What did this specific ancestor sacrifice in order for those who came after them to have a better life?
- How are we blessed by their sacrifice?
- What can we learn from their example?
- Why is important to honor our ancestors and other people who have sacrificed for us?
Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.
*For Teenagers and Adults* Explain why we celebrate Memorial Day. Honor an ancestor. Discuss why it is important to honor our ancestors. Watch “Until We Meet Again” Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.
What is Memorial Day?
Explain to your children that Memorial Day is a special day set aside to honor veterans who have sacrificed for our country, our ancestors and others who have passed away. Emphasize that on Memorial Day we should also honor people who have died serving our country and fighting for our freedom. Explain that even though we may not have met these people, even our own ancestors, we owe so much to them.
Honor a family member
Take this time to honor one of your family ancestors. Select an ancestor who may have sacrificed a lot for their descendants – whether they served in the military, walked across the plains as a pioneer, or sacrificed in another way. You may consider showing pictures, telling stories, or even reading diary excerpts.
Discuss the following questions
- What did this specific ancestor sacrifice in order for those who came after them to have a better life?
- How are we blessed by their sacrifice?
- What can we learn from their example?
- Why is important to honor our ancestors and other people who have sacrificed for us?
After watching the video, discuss fact that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will one day be able to meet all of these people who have gone before us and sacrificed for the good of others.
Testify and express thanks for ancestors who have gone before us and sacrificed so we can learn from them and live better lives.
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Treat
Homemade Slurpees and Muddy Buddies
Homemade Slurpees
Ingredients: 500 mL bottle of pop
- Take a 500 mL bottle of pop and shake vigorously for 5-10 seconds to increase the pressure in the bottle.
- Place the bottle in the freezer for approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours. The goal is to get the soda as cold as possible without actually freezing it. We started checking on our pop bottles every 15 minutes after the 3 hour mark to try and find that “perfect” time. It actually took a couple of failed attempts {when the pop actually froze} before we settled on 3 hours, 50 minutes. Just remember that this time will vary from freezer to freezer {and even with different locations within the same freezer} so be consistent with where you put the pop bottles.
- Remove the bottle from the freezer. In one continuous movement, unscrew the bottle cap just enough to release some of the pressure, quickly tighten it back up, and turn the bottle upside down. Return it to the upright position and you should magically see slushie ice crystals begin to form immediately.
- Pour into a frosted glass.
(Recipes taken from www.cleanandscentsible.com )
Muddy Buddies
Ingredients:
2 cups Fiber One Honey Squares
2 Tbsp I can’t believe its not butter
2 Tbsp Creamy All Natural Peanut Butter
1 Package Fat Free Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding
2 Squares Sugar Free Chocolate Almond Bark
2 Tbsp Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter, Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Almond Bark in saucepan on low heat being careful not to overcook.
2. After melted, pour mixture over the Fiber One Honey Squares
3. Let the mixture cool for about 20 minutes.
4. After the mixture has hardened pour it into a large ziplock bag, and add the box of pudding mix and shake gently. (This is where I add the extra 2 Tbsp of powdered sugar to the bag)
6. Enjoy.
(Recipes taken from www.thereipecritic.com )
Activity
1- Visit the grave of an ancestor or war veteran. Take flowers to the grave and honor their life. You may consider telling stories of their life at the grave site, or even sing hymns to welcome the spirit.
2- Together as a family, or individually, write a “letter” to a deceased family member. In the letter, thank them for things they sacrificed and also things learned from them.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
