LDS Daily A daily dose of what matters most
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.
Treat
Peanut Butter Pie and Yummy Fruit Pizza
Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients:
1 whole 8-inch Graham Cracker Pie Crust
8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese
1 cup Peanut Butter
½ cups Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
8 ounces, weight Frozen Whipped Topping, Thawed
Instructions:
With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Blend in peanut butter and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon mixture into the prepared pie crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Yummy Fruit Pizza
Ingredients: 
1 package (16 Oz. Package) Sugar Cookie Dough
1 package (8 Oz. Package) Cream Cheese
1 package (8 Oz. Package) Regular Cool Whip
2 cups Sliced Strawberries (fresh Not Frozen)
¾ cups Blackberries
¾ cups Raspberries
3 whole Kiwis, Sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Break up the block of sugar cookie dough and press onto an ungreased pizza pan, so that the dough covers the entire bottom of the pan evenly.
2. Bake sugar cookie dough for 10–12 minutes. Remove from the oven. Allow dough to cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and Cool Whip. Using a handheld mixer, beat on low speed until the topping is smooth throughout. Spread the topping over the cooled sugar cookie crust.
4. Arrange sliced fruit of your choice on top of the cream cheese topping. I use strawberries (sliced in half), whole blackberries, whole raspberries, and sliced kiwis. It’s delicious!
5. Cover and chill for 1–2 hours, then cut into squares or slices and serve.
6. Enjoy.
(Recipes taken from www.TastyKitchen.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. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
Thanks! Loved this lesson…and the treats
Suzanne, I’m glad you liked the lesson! 🙂
Amazing Lesson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emma, I am so glad you liked this week’s lesson!
Thanks for such a wonderful lesson idea. It was great for my 5 young children on memorial day. I especially loved the letter writing part. So special and emotional!
Melanie, I am so happy to hear the lesson was great for your whole family. What a great way to celebrate Memorial Day!