Do you keep a journal - or wish you could get one started? Literary Mama wants to help.

Three times a month, I'll post a writing prompt. Open a notebook and write for 10 minutes. Don't worry about grammar or punctuation - just write. Then let the writing simmer and your mind wander for awhile.

And who knows? Maybe you'll discover a character for your next short story or a theme for a narrative essay. Or maybe you'll use the idea to create a special holiday card or photo album for someone in your family. However you decide to use your journal entry, I know you'll enjoy re-reading it months--and years--down the road.

Also: Every three months, I'll accept submissions and choose a few pieces to post for LM readers to enjoy.
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In recognition of Memorial Day, we salute the men and women who died while serving in the American military:

American Revolution, 1775-1783
War of 1812, 1812-1815
Mexican-American War, 1846-1848
Civil War, 1861-1865
Spanish-American War, 1898
World War I, 1914-1918
World War II, 1939-1945
Korean War, 1950-1953
Vietnam War, 1954-1975
Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991
War in Afghanistan, 2001-present
War in Iraq, 2003-present

Journal Entry: How do you respond to your child's questions of "What's war?" "What does a soldier do?" and "Why is the flag only halfway up the flagpole?" How does your response change based on the child's age?