Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday in the United States of America, celebrated on the last Monday in May.  It is a celebration of remembrance for the brave service of men and women who gave their lives for their country. Memorial Day was declared a federal holiday in 1971. We now, designate this day to remember loved ones who have passed on, as well as remembering our service men and women. Flowers and flags are placed on graves in remembrance of them. Parades and dedications of memorials usually are part of the day’s activities. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local marching bands, members of the armed service, fire departments, police departments, and fraternal orders often march in parades and attend ceremonies to commemorate the day.

Here are a couple of links to website that have activities you can do with the children in honor of Memorial Day.

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/memorial-day/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/memorialday/

MEMORIAL DAY is Monday, and a host of commemorative events are planned in the Fredericksburg area. Here is a sample

of this weekend’s celebrations to honor our fallen soldiers:

FRIDAY

“Remembering World War II Patriotism,” Historic Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave. A World War II dance on the lawn and exhibit, “We Did Our Part: Kenmore During the Second World War.” 6–8 p.m. $10, ages 6 and younger free (half-price if dressed in World War II-period costume). 540/373-3381.

Thunder for the Cause, Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave. Motorcycle rodeos, bikini contest, car and bike show, motorcade to Washington (Sunday). Runs through May 26. thunderforthecause.com.

SATURDAY

“Remembering World War II Patriotism,” Historic Kenmore, 1201 Washington Ave. See the grounds of Kenmore through the eyes of a World War II visitor, exhibit on Kenmore during World War II by UMW students, theater productions depicting vignettes from Kenmore during World War II, house tours, tea, gingerbread. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10 adults, $5 students, under age 6 free. 540/373-3381.

Memorial Day Events, George Washington’s Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Highway, Stafford. “Wartime Reminiscences with the Lintons”—a question and answer with the Linton family highlighting their childhoods growing up at Ferry Farm during World War II, 11 a.m.; “Marketing the War: The Role of Propaganda in World War II”—a presentation by archaeologist Joseph Blondino about the use of propaganda by the United States, Germany and other nations to influence their citizens on the home front to support the war, 3 p.m.; group of re-enactors dedicated to an authentic portrayal of G.I.s in the combat engineers during World War II and archaeology site open all day. Artifacts from the archaeology dig from the 1940s on display in the visitors center. Fun activities throughout the day on victory gardens, rationing, toys and games, USO dances and American life during the 1940s. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $8, students $4, under age 6 free. 540/371-3363.

Fourth annual Fredericksburg City and Confederate Cemetery Tour. Walking tour led by local amateur historian Dan “BigFrench” Janzegers. The tour covers notables, military and local citizens’ burials. New research from the past year will be highlighted. 6:30–8 p.m. Donations to the Fredericksburg City Cemetery welcome. Rain date: May 26, 6:30 p.m.

18th annual Luminary, Fredericksburg National Cemetery, Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Taps will play every 30 minutes. 15,300 candles will be lit, historians will tell the stories of soldiers who died. Shuttle service will be available from the UMW parking lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. 8–11 p.m. Free. Rain date: May 26. 540/373-6122.

Thunder for the Cause, Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. See Friday’s listing.

SUNDAY

Band of America’s Few, National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle. Patriotic selections in celebration of Memorial Day. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. 703/784-6116.

Thunder for the Cause, Fredericksburg Fairgrounds. See Friday’s listing.

MONDAY

Memorial Day Ceremony, “Memorial to Our Fallen Heroes,” intersection of Barton, Liberty and George streets. Speakers, music, historic flags. By Fredericksburg Area Veterans Council. 10:45 a.m. Free. 540/424-8495.

Memorial Day Ceremony, Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Historian, veteran, and city planner Erik Nelson will be keynote speaker, and the ceremony will be preceded by a procession through the streets, led by the re-created 23rd United States Colored Troops. The procession will depart from Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), 801 Sophia St., at 11:15 a.m.

147th Memorial Day Observance, Fredericksburg Confederate Cemetery. Period music, brief talks on “Tactics and Technology at the Battle of Fredericksburg” and “Lee’s Die-hards at Sundown, May 6, 1864.” 10 a.m.

Memorial Day Ceremony, Spotsylvania Confederate Cemetery. Hosted by Fredericksburg Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy. 2 p.m. Volunteers needed starting at 9 a.m. May 25, when the Rev. Beverly Tucker Lacy Camp and the Matthew Fontaine Maury Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, will place flags at the cemetery. jacquelineferris@yahoo.com.

Rappahannock Pops Orchestra: “An Outdoor Commemoration with the Pops,” Mary Washington Hospital, Ambulatory Care entrance.

6 p.m. Free. Rain location: Grace Church of Fredericksburg, 1141 Heatherstone Drive, Spotsylvania. rappahannockpops.org.

Memorial service, Aquia Episcopal Church, 2938 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford. Service for three War of 1812 vets (Edwin C. Moncure, John Moncure and William Widie Robertson) buried at the church. There will be a presentation on the history of Stafford and the War of 1812. 2 p.m. 540/659-4007.