Veterans week gives a great opportunity to connect our children with the history of our country. Not to glorify war and world conflicts but to show how another generation fought to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Taking children to war memorials and placing wreaths is an easy activity. Going to a Remembrance Day service connects with many generations. Schools often have talks and assemblies for Remembrance day. There are student groups now going to places in Europe like Vimy Ridge to demonstrate Canada's role and sacrifice for peace. New immigrants should be invited along to learn about our country's history. Learning and reciting a poem like " In Flanders Field" not tells us about a Canadian poet but is good literature. The War Museum in Ottawa gives centuries of our history. There are some amazing paintings as well. Not all history gets captured on a cell phone! Get a poppy and have your child wear one. In our busy schedules, slow down and stop to reflect on where we are today and who brought us there! Work on peaceful ways to settle conflicts. Support our troops in their peacekeeping missions. Teach your children that Canadians play a role on the world stage. Keep it simple! Depending on the child's age, monitor the information they need to know. My Dad gave a talk for grade schoolers one time. He concentrated on the planes he flew and generally what he did. As a Vet he did not want to scare the children! If you have a veteran in your family, give them a hug!
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