It’s Memorial Day week-end in the United States. Memorial Day is a day to remember the soldiers that have fallen in combat, though I prefer to use it to remember everyone that has fallen in combat (military and civilian). My father served in Vietnam (which is why I’m here, but that’s another story). We hang the American flag from our houses, go to parades or ceremonies. In the United States, it really has two purposes. First we honor the fallen and, second, we honor family by getting together for picnics…parties…etc…

This Memorial Day week-end, will be busy for my family. My parents are here to visit and it’s doubling as a graduation get together for my sister – she has graduated from college and has joined the masses looking for a job. They will leave on Monday and we will take off to my brother-in-law’s house. There we are having a combination Memorial Day party and good-bye party. My brother-in-law has been accepted by the F.B.I. and will be on his way to Quantico in less than two weeks.

In Korea, Memorial Day is much the same…except that it is celebrated on June 6th. The largest celebration will take place at the National Cemetery in Seoul.

Ways to celebrate Memorial Day with your children?
• Today might be a good day to make the flag of your country and a Korean flag.
• Today might be a good day to talk about war and what it means.
• Today might be a good day to visit a memorial landmark.
• Today might be a good day to research the Korean War (which was really a catalyst for Korean adoption).

If you would like to comment, but not on this site, please e-mail me at adoptkoreablog@adoptionmail.com.