Introducing Children To The Value Of Service

Parents have the responsibility of sharing their personal values, ethics, and morals with their children. As children grow older they come to understand how these values and ethics can guide them to making wise and compassionate decisions throughout life. Children in some families have a very personal understanding of the importance of military service and the values that veterans represent. Not all children are so fortunate, however. They may have difficulty understanding precisely why showing respect to veterans is so important.

Patriotism and an Appreciation of Veterans’ Service

Recognizing the importance of veterans and acknowledging the value of their sacrifice is an important part of being a patriot. Veterans are part of a long and noble history of service and sacrifice, two values that form the foundation of the American spirit. Introducing children to patriotic ideals can be accomplished at the same time as an appreciation for veterans is instilled.

Connecting with Personal Family History

Children and young adults are sometimes not aware that they have a personal connection to military service. Grandparents and even great grandparents may number among those who have served. Telling children about these family members makes the abstract concepts of duty and sacrifice much more accessible. You can also encourage children to speak to living family members about their service experience. Members of the immediate family of service personnel also have very valuable stories about bravery and perseverance on the home front. Even people who did not themselves serve have a very personal connection to the experience of the veterans they love.

Family history becomes more personal when pictures and other elements are used to augment the stories. Here are some suggestions that can be used to increase the value of the family history stories about service:

• Share photos of family members during active service or after their return from duty
• Use excerpts from letters sent to and from service members
• Locate documentaries about the particular conflicts that family members served in
• Visit a library to find age-appropriate history books to read together with your children
• Develop response questions to promote critical thinking about the value of service and the role that veterans play in today’s society

Emphasizing the personal connection that children have to service personnel can help young family members comprehend the importance of patriotism, service, and sacrifice. Sharing the stories of people on the home front is another valuable reminder that even people who do not personally serve in the armed forces play a very important role in creating a patriotic community.

Connecting With a Patriotic Community

Lessons about the value of patriotism can be shared through community youth groups, such as scout troops. These organizations have strong ties to the local community and frequently perform volunteer services. Participating in one of these groups is a great way for children to learn the value of service in addition to other patriotic values.

Scout groups sometimes work with veterans’ service organizations in particular in order to show gratitude to these brave individuals. You can encourage your child to participate in these service projects to further their understanding of the important role that veterans play in a patriotic community.

Parents can help their children cultivate an appreciation of patriotic service by sharing family history accounts and encouraging participation in groups that make patriotism a priority. These are just some of the ways to make a personal connection to patriotic values.

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