881. On Memorial Day, many people visit cemeteries to honor those who died in all wars. Have you ever visited a cemetery? How did it make you feel and why?
882. Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day because people decorated gravestones with flags and flowers. What do you think is the meaning of such decorations? Do you think the graveyard decorations are important? Why or why not?
883. In the early days of these decoration days, participants often brought a different meal as part of a potluck dinner. Have you ever been to a potluck dinner? What foods would be present at your ideal potluck and why?
884. Memorial Day originated after the Civil War and many freed African-American slaves participated in a major decoration and cleaning ceremony to honor the deceased Union soldiers. Why do you think it was so important for the newly free men to honor the soldiers?
885. While Memorial Day originally was meant to honor soldiers from the Civil War, it eventually took on meaning to honor all fallen veterans. Do you think it's important to remember those who fought in the Civil War in particular? Why or why not?
886. Create a conversation between two wreaths of flowers placed on adjacent gravestones in a military cemetery. What might these important decorations have to say to each other and why?
887. Memorial Day was placed toward the end of May partly to ensure that flowers would be in full bloom. What are some other things that occur at the end of May? Which end-of-May activities do you look forward to the most?
888. One of the resolutions of Memorial Day is that the living continue to fight for liberty and justice. What do you think it means to fight for liberty and justice for all? How might you support liberty and justice in your everyday life?
889. Nora Fontaine Davidson, a schoolteacher, is thought to be one of the inspirations for Memorial Day. Imagine that your actions somehow inspired a holiday. What kind of holiday might it be? Would your family be proud of your inspirational ways? Why or why not?
890. Davidson was known for founding a school and a hospital, and for decorating the graves of soldiers. What are some things you want to be remembered for? How would you like to be described by your past teachers and your friends and family? Why?
Use the above prompts or article as inspiration to write a story or other short piece.
