Remembrance Day: November 11 2013

RemembranceDay is special for me. My Grandfather fought in World War Two, in Italy.
Growing up he never realy mentioned the war, but always taught us Italian words, and we knew me met my Grandmother in England during one of his leaves.

My Grandfather passed away in 2010, at 90 years of age. He has told me many of his stories and I have a copy of his story he wrote out.

Two weeks ago I was given some of his things from the war, and I wanted to share them.

In England, my grandfather on the Left

His Medals

Postcard from my Grandfather to my Grandmother

My Grandparents right after they were married in England

Soldiers in England, My Grandfather on the far Right

The mirror my Grandfather used in the War

My Grandfathers Last Leave Pass

Post War Credit

Christmas Post card from my Grandfather to my Grandmother

Four of His Pay books from his war service

Having these pieces of history makes explaining what Remembrance Day is to my girls easier.

Poppy Crafts: Teaching our kids why we remember

Here is a simple craft to do with your kids, to help explain why everyone has a red flower on their coat.

 Easiest way to make these simple paper poppies is to cut 4-6 hearts out of Red Paper.

 Glue them together...

Cut out a black circle for the middle...

 And Glue to a Popsicle stick!

Remembrance Day: Explaining to Kids

Mom look at the Flowers!
This is what my 2 year old says every time she sees someone wearing a Poppy.
She gets extra excited to see Daddy wearing his poppy!

How do you talk to your kids about why everyone is wearing the Red Flowers? With my oldest, who is 9, we speak of our families history in the World Wars.

I had a friend whose birthday was November 11th, and her parents told her it was in honor of her birthday, cute, but not the right sentiment.

A great way to start the conversation is with this great Preschooler Craft P is for Poppy

We have this great book at our house, called A Poppy is to Remember by Heather Patterson and Ron Lightburn. My Oldest loves to read, and wants to be a teacher, so this year she decided she would be the teacher to her younger sisters about those red flowers!

She made our 2 year old repeat over and over A POPPY IS TO REMEMBER...
What discussions do you have?