memorial day in school essay

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Memorial Day in the Classroom: Resources for Teachers

For teachers looking to incorporate Memorial Day into lessons, here are some of the best resources from around the internet.

For most students, Memorial Day means a three-day weekend, one last mini-break before the end of the school year. But the last Monday in May is the perfect opportunity to use class time to open a discussion with students about the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces and their legacies.

How do you plan to teach Memorial Day in your classroom? It’s not always easy to capture student attention late in the school year, but hopefully these lesson plans, multimedia resources, and activities will help. For starters, check out the brief video above from the History Channel that explores the holiday’s origins. In addition, you might want to check out History.com’s Memorial Day resource page .

Fun, Insightful Memorial Day Multimedia

• “ 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Memorial Day ”: If you have some extra time, this list of interesting, little-known facts about Memorial Day put together by Time is worth a read. This is great for middle school and high school students. For more background on the holiday, check out a CNN resource that explains the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
• “ Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day? ”: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History published this interesting profile on the origins of Memorial Day. This is just one Smithsonian resource related to the holiday. Also be sure to check out “ July 1942: United We Stand ,” a resource great for grades 6–12 that looks at magazine designs during World War II, as well as the History Explorer site , where you can search for additional resources and lesson plans.
• Virtual Tour of the National Museum of the Marine Corps : Here’s a super interactive tour of the Marine Corps museum in Virginia. The easy-to-navigate tour features 360-degree views of many of the exhibits, along with narrative text and related media. Other engaging virtual military museum tours include the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force , the National Aviation Museum (be sure to check out the online exhibits as well), and the National World War I Museum (the museum’s activities for kids are also great).

Classroom Ideas for Remembering and Honoring Veterans

• The NEA’s Memorial Day Lesson Plans : Phil Nast, a retired educator and freelance writer, provides some curriculum ideas for exploring the meaning behind the holiday in this National Education Association resource. There are collections for elementary, middle, and high school students, and each roundup features ideas for lessons, activities, projects, and a list of relevant materials.
• Memorial Day History Lessons From TeachingHistory.org : This is a rich collection of Memorial Day–themed teaching and learning resources. You’ll find lesson plans, activities, and tips on helping students explore topics like veterans, war, and its effect on the world. There are resources available for students of all grade levels.
• Engaging WWII Lesson Plans : The National World War II Museum in New Orleans produced this extensive collection of lesson plans. The lessons are arranged by topics, including STEM, the Home Front, and the War in the Pacific; they’re designed mostly for students in middle and high school. Each plan includes related media, discussion questions, and a downloadable PDF version.
• ReadWriteThink’s Memorial Day Collection : This collection is a great source of inspiration. You’ll find Memorial Day–themed activities that can be adapted to nearly every grade. Additionally, there are related lesson plans at the bottom organized by grade level, for grades 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
• Memorial Day Lesson Plan : Primarily for older students. This resource encourages students to examine the origins and impact of World War I. Included are links to Channel One’s multimedia resources, as well as short video clips and literature. Part two of the lesson encourages students to develop a plan for honoring veterans on Memorial Day.
• “ Memorial Day Resources for Your Classroom ”: This article features links to PBS-produced primary sources, and includes lesson plan ideas for the primary source collections. These are great ideas that can be adapted for middle school and high school students.
• The National Constitution Center’s Memorial Day Resources : A collection of activities and lesson plans, available at the bottom of the page, that mostly center around wartime artwork. There are lessons for grades K–4 (Civics in Literature: Memorial Day), as well as 4–8 and 9–12. One lesson idea, “Art of the American Soldier: Comparing and Contrasting Photography and Painting in War Art,” encourages students to analyze artwork from the center’s Art of the American Solider online gallery.

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Memorial Day

By: History.com Editors

Updated: May 24, 2023 | Original: October 27, 2009

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2023 will occur on Monday, May 29. 

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

The Birthplace of Memorial Day and Early Observances 

The Civil War , which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.

By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. And some records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations  was organized by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York , the official birthplace of Memorial Day .

Waterloo—which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

Did you know? Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

Decoration Day

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed.

The date of Decoration Day , as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery , and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.

Many Northern states held similar commemorative events and reprised the tradition in subsequent years; by 1890 each one had made Decoration Day an official state holiday. Southern states, on the other hand, continued to honor the dead on separate days until after World War I .

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II , The Vietnam War , The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan .

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Memorial Day Traditions and Rituals 

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago , New York and Washington, D.C.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem . On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend—the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself—unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

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31 Memorial Day Writing Prompts

Memorial Day is a nationally recognized day of remembrance to honor those that have died while serving in the military.

The day is to recognize their service and sacrifice and is an important part of American history.

How to use:

The following writing prompts can be used in any way you see fit. They are aimed to get you thinking and then writing.

You can pick a prompt at random, set a timer and write as much as you can within the time limit, or write one response every day for 31 days in a row.

It’s up to you, that’s the best part of writing creatively!

The prompts:

• What do you do to honor those that have passed on Memorial Day?
• Why do you think Memorial Day is always on the last Monday in May?
• Why do you think Memorial Day is a federal holiday?
• How is Memorial Day different from Veterans Day?
• How do you think we as a nation should honor this holiday? (Ex: moment of silence, special readings)
• Do you know a veteran? Write about them. If not, create a character and describe the life they lived while serving.
• What else would you like to know about Memorial Day? What do you think we should learn in school?
• Do you thank veterans for their service?
• Is Memorial Day the same kind of holiday as, say, Thanksgiving? How are they different?
• Why do you think it is called Memorial Day?
• If Memorial Day was a person, what would they be like?
• How can we be more considerate to those that have served in the military?
• Would you ever serve in the military? Why or why not?
• Do you think other countries have their own Memorial Days?
• When do you think Memorial Day started?
• Why do you think Memorial Day is observed in May instead of another month?
• Pretend you are having a conversation with someone who died fighting for our country. What would you say to them? What would you ask them?
• Do you think Memorial Day or Veterans Day was a holiday first? Why?
• Do you think there should be more days of remembrance for those who have served in our country’s military? Why or why not?
• How can you show kindness to a living veteran today?
• How do people typically observe Memorial Day? (Ex: a ceremony of remembrance, news stations air a moment of silence, etc.)
• What are the branches of the military? Which one would you most like to be a part of?
• Memorial Day used to be called “Decoration Day.” Which name do you prefer, and why?
• The poppy, a flower, has been adopted as the official symbol of remembrance. Do you think it is a fitting symbol? Why or why not?
• Write about what you will do next Memorial Day.
• Do you think Memorial Day should be a specific day every year, like May 30th for example, instead of the last weekend in May? Why or why not?
• What do you think the President of the United States thinks about Memorial Day? Write about their day.
• What can you do to remember Memorial Day all year long? (Ex: use these writing prompts throughout the year, write letters to veterans, etc.)
• How can we help the family members and loved ones of those that have passed serving honorably in the military?
• What kind of music do you think of when you think of Memorial Day? Why?
• Do you think we will always observe Memorial Day? Why or why not?

Looking for more?

We aim to provide writing prompts on a variety of subject for readers and writers of all ages! We cover everything from prompts about insects to writing inspiration about birthdays , and everything in between.

If you have any suggestions for new topics, or have questions or comments for us, please reach out.

We love to hear from our audience and want to continue to provide new and exciting writing prompts.

Writing Prompt: What Does Memorial Day Mean to You?

by Monica M. Clark | 25 comments

Happy Memorial Day!

I think it’s fair to say Memorial Day serves two roles in American culture: the intended one and the unintended one.

Memorial Day is an American holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May.

Its intended purpose (which, as the Washington Post pointed out, is not the same as Veterans Day ) is to honor those who died in service to their country.

Its unintended role is to notify the world that Summer. Is. Here.

What Does Memorial Day Mean to You?

Personally, Memorial Day reminds me of a place called Sag Harbor, a little town in Long Island where my family and I went every summer.

These days, I only get a chance to go back on the three-day summer holidays, but when I do I’m full of nostalgia. The smell of the cut grass, the quiet bay—it all brings me back to those summers where my parents let my brother and me go off on our own, giving me my first real taste of autonomy.

What makes Memorial Day special to you?   Let us know in the comments .

Take fifteen minutes to work on one of these writing prompts:

• Tell us about a person you honor on Memorial Day.
• Imagine a U.S. without a military. Now write about it.
• Write a scene from your memoir about a typical Memorial Day weekend.

Share your practice in the comments below. And if you share, don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers!

Monica M. Clark

Monica is a lawyer trying to knock out her first novel. She lives in D.C. but is still a New Yorker. You can follow her on her blog or on Twitter (@monicamclark).

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Memorial Day Writing Prompt

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMPTS

The United States celebrates Memorial Day, a day to remember the men and women in the armed services who have given their lives for our country.

The late General Colin Powell wrote of the granite Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D. C., “At no other battle monument are people so moved, stenciling names and leaving gifts like combat boots, uniforms, sonograms, even a motorcycle.”

Now it’s your turn: What are other ways we can “repay the debt owed”? Write a list of things people can do or write a thank-you note to a real soldier or an imaginary one.  What do you think a soldier would like to read in a thank-you note?

* General Colin L. Powell, “Why We Serve,” Parade , Nov. 6, 2011, p. 18.

Click here to enjoy a Memorial Day prompt for high school students.

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Essays on Memorial Day

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Memorial Day: Remembrance and Honor in American Culture

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What Memorial Day Means to Me: A Time of Reflection and Remembrance

Table of contents, reflecting on sacrifice, honoring the fallen, preserving history, fostering gratitude and humility, passing on the legacy, conclusion: a day of reflection and commitment.

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Assemblyman Sauickie tells budget committee cumulative effects of school funding cuts are devastating education

Mark your calendar: important dates for 2024 elections, come to the spring rummage sale 4/13/24, millstone township curbside spring cleanup 4/1/24, bohren’s (an agent of united van lines) moves into its 2nd century of operation, wall street veteran warns americans to start building their ark now, dive into the enchantment of disney’s the little mermaid at millstone middle school, millstone twp resident arrested for howell armed robbery, 10-year-old fifth grader raises funds to send special needs children to camp, millstone superintendent dr. chris huss – final letter 1/30/24.

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Millstone Middle School Student’s Essay “What Does Memorial Day Mean To Me?”

“What Does Memorial Day Mean To Me?”

In anticipation of the annual Memorial Day ceremony hosted at the Millstone Veterans Memorial, Superintendent Dr. Chris Huss organized an essay contest asking students to share their insights regarding “What Does Memorial Day Mean To Me?” Seventh-grade Matthew Brueggemeier wrote the exceptional winning essay this year.

Matthew proudly read his essay at the Millstone Township Memorial Day Ceremony, May 30, 2022.

What Does Memorial Day Mean to Me?

Matthew Brueggemeier

May 30 th , 2022

What does Memorial Day mean to me?  This is a question we all ask ourselves on Memorial Day.  Some people might say Memorial Day means no school and hanging out with friends.  Others might say Memorial Day means going on vacation and visiting family.  To me, Memorial Day means honoring those who have served in the military, including people from my family, and understanding how brave these people are.

First, I have a Grandpa, an Uncle, and a Great Great Uncle who served in the military.  All served in the Army.  My Great Great Uncle served and died in World War 2.  My Grandpa didn’t serve in any wars.  My Grandpa is still alive and I visit him often.  My Uncle is here in the audience today.  I remember these family members because they need to be acknowledged for their bravery.  My point here is that I think of these family members because they bravely fought for our country.  Someone has to protect our country and they chose to.  In summary, on Memorial Day I think of the people in my family who helped serve our country.

Second, on Memorial Day I think about soldiers’ bravery and courage.  Not all of us are brave enough to possibly go into war and die for our country.  In fact, in World War 1, over 16 million people died.  That’s a lot of lives lost for their country.  The military is a special job that takes commitment and guts.  I honor all of those who take on this risk.  So, another thing I do on Memorial Day is think of how much courage it takes to be in the military and fight in wars.

In conclusion, on Memorial Day I think of my family and how much courage it took to serve in the military.  Memorial Day might just seem like a free weekend where you get to have a bunch of parties but in fact, it’s much more than that.  It’s about those who took on the duty of protecting our country.

About The Author

Louise San Nicola has lived in Millstone Township for the last 27 years. She has two children; Gabrielle, a graduate of Allentown High School (AHS) and NYU, and Nick, also a graduate of AHS and Coastal Carolina University. Louise works for the Upper Freehold School District. She loves our communities and is passionate about communicating all of the fabulous events, activities and accolades to all of the residents.

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"What is Memorial Day, and what does it mean to me?"; Need ideas

saichicka39 3 / 6   Apr 21, 2013   #1 So guys I have this essay to do, and I really want to do it, but I don;t have any ideas. The following information is what the essay prompt and contest is about: 2013 Essay Contest Announcement and Official Rules "What is Memorial Day & What Does It Mean to Me?" The contest is open to all Marion County, FL middle and high-school students. The purpose of the contest is to create an educational awareness involving the young people in our community so that they can learn more about the price of freedom. Official Rules 1. Eligibility: Entrants must be middle or high school students enrolled in the Marion County Public School system (entries from private, charter and home schools will also be accepted). 2. Format: Entries must be presented in the format of a Personal Essay, between 500-525 words, using a double-spaced 12-point font and must include a bibliography (not included in the word count). 3. Topic: "What is Memorial Day and...What Does It Mean to Me?" 4. Research: Research is essential in creating a quality essay. Please cite library resources, Web URLs with access dates, and personal interviews. 5. Bibliography: The bibliography must cite at least two references. Entries that do not include a bibliography will be disqualified. 6. Essay Entries: Must be submitted and received between March 1 and April 30, 2013. Entries cannot be acknowledged or returned, and they become the property of Highland Memorial Park. Essays can be delivered to your Guidance Counselor's office or, they can also be mailed to: Highland Memorial Park, Attn: Beverly Brown, PO Box 2047, Ocala, FL 34478-2047. Entries must be accompanied by a 3x5 index card, attached but not stapled to essay, containing the following information: contestant's name, address, phone and student ID number, name of parent/guardian who will accompany contestant at the awards event. 7. Evaluation Process: Two winning essays will be selected on the following basis: >25 points-Originality and creativity >25 points-Compliance with the assigned topic >20 points-Factual accuracy >15 points-Grammar and organization of content >15 points-Scope of research 8. Awards: An iPad mini will be awarded to one each Middle & High School first place winner; a Kindle Ereader will be awarded to two each Middle and High School runner up winners. Each winner and his/ her parent/guardian must be present to receive their prize. So all I want some ideas and come help as I write the essay. It will be really appreciated if you guys could give me any ideas. Thank you for taking your time to read this.

OP saichicka39 3 / 6   Apr 22, 2013   #3 Thank you

• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life

500 Words Essay On Memorable Day of My Life

We have different types of days in our lives, some are ordinary while some are special. There are some days that get etched in our memories forever. Likewise, I also have a memorable day of my life that is very dear to me. The memories of this day are engraved in my heart and will remain so forever.

My Birthday- Memorable Day of My Life

My tenth birthday is the most memorable day of my life. It is a day I can never forget and I consider it to be the best birthday yet. The day started just like any other normal day. However, as it kept progressing, a lot of exciting things began to happen.

I woke up very early on my birthday because I had to dress up in casual clothes for school . The day before, all my candies were ready that I would distribute in the classroom.

My mother prepared my favourite breakfast and gave me a big chocolate bar for lunch as well. I went to school and the whole class sang for me and congratulated me. It was the turn to distribute sweets.

My best friend and I went to all the teachers to distribute toffees and we had a great time there. Moreover, it was an incredible feeling. My friends were all singing for me and eager to come to my birthday party later in the evening.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

My Birthday Party

The birthday at my school was memorable but the birthday party at my home made the day even more memorable. Also, my mother invited all my friends from school and the colony to the party.

I received so many presents and we played a lot of games. We played games like musical chairs, tag, egg-and-spoon races, and more. There were so many songs playing so everyone did a special dance too.

The highlight of my birthday party was definitely my huge birthday cake. As I love superheroes, my mother got the cake customized with the superhero theme. It was very tasty too and in my favourite flavour.

I spent a lot of time with my family and friends that day. Everyone liked the return gifts as well and went home with a big smile on their faces.

Conclusion of Essay on Memorable Day of My Life

Therefore, my tenth birthday is the most memorable day of my life. It has given me so many happy memories that will remain with me forever. That day makes me feel blessed and lucky to have all those things in my life.

FAQ on Essay on Memorable Day of My Life

Question 1: What is the meaning of a memorable day?

Answer 1:   When we say memorable, we refer to something that we cannot forget easily or something that left us excited. A memorable day is a day that one can recall easily as it is engraved in the memory.

Question 2: What can be an example of a memorable day?

Answer 2: Some people consider their birthday to be the most memorable day. While some consider it a family trip too. Similarly, some people may find their school picnic or fete to be the most memorable day.

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2024 Workers’ Memorial Day Scholarship Essay Contest

Each year during Worker Memorial Day ceremonies on April 28 th , workers, legislators, members of organized labor unions, worker advocates and others gather to honor the memory of those workers who have lost their lives because of workplace injuries or illnesses.  The ceremonies highlight the sacrifices made by these workers and of the families left behind and inspire us all to work harder on behalf of the welfare of all workers. 

This year the Connecticut AFL-CIO Health and Safety Committee, as part of its efforts to “mourn the dead but fight like hell for the living”, is offering a scholarship essay contest to inspire high school seniors to think about the importance of workplace health and safety, of the consequences that arise when workers are forced to toil in unsafe working conditions and of the role that organized labor has played in protecting workers both in the past and present.   

In this year’s scholarship essay contest, Connecticut high school seniors are asked to respond in 1,000 words or less to ONE of the three questions below with serious thought, some research (with cited sources), and, most importantly, awareness of the true cost of workplace hazards on the lives of workers.

1st Prize is $2,000 2nd Prize is $1,500 3rd Prize is $1,000

All entries will be judged anonymously on content, originality and clarity of vision. The winners of this contest will be asked to share a portion of their essay during our 2024 Worker Memorial Day event on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 12 pm, at the Bushnell Park Worker Memorial, Hartford.

In 1,000 words or less please respond to ONE of the following scenarios:

My ________________ (parent/family member) is an Emergency Responder. He/She is a______________________________ Fire/Police/EMT/Dispatcher).  What types of health and safety risks are they exposed to in their work, whether it be physical injury, exposure to toxic or infectious agents, mental stress, or other factors. As a child or relative of a first responder, does their work affect you and/or your family members? In what ways?

Workers at highway construction and maintenance projects are at risk from vehicle accidents.  According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and others, what are the primary causes of these accidents? How should employers enhance work zone safety?  To the extent that some of these accidents are caused by distracted drivers (for example, using their phone, eating, etc.), what are some solutions to address this problem?

High numbers of Connecticut residents are overdosing on opioids on and off the job. What work-related factors cause workers to use opioid drugs, for example workplace stress, injuries, or other factors? Do you believe that Narcan should be made available in every workplace? Why or why not? Would there be any negative consequences to having Narcan available in every workplace?

This essay contest is open to all Connecticut high school seniors.  Please email the completed essay and application to [email protected] or send to 

ConnectiCOSH 683 North Mountain Road Newington, CT  06111   ATTN:  Pamela Puchalski 

The completed essay and application must be received by April 1, 2024.

Click here for a copy of the application.

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Kamala Harris Visits Parkland and Urges States to Adopt Red-Flag Gun Laws

At the site of the 2018 school shooting in Florida, the vice president announced federal help for states to limit weapon access for people deemed to be threats.

Kamala Harris Announces Resource Center to Help With Red-Flag Laws

Vice president kamala harris stood beside the parents of children killed in the 2018 shooting at marjory stoneman douglas high school in parkland, fla., and announced a new federal resource center to help states implement their red-flag laws..

Today I am launching the national resource center for red-flag laws. And this national resource center will be a place where we will, through that, provide for training for local leaders on how to use red-flag laws and keep communities safe. Thank you to the leaders of this community, starting with these families. This school is soon going to be torn down, but the memory of it will never be erased. And let us, through the courage and the call to action of these families, find it in ourselves to consider what they’ve been through as some level of motivation and inspiration for all of us to do more.

By Michael D. Shear

Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday toured the still-bloody and bullet-pocked classroom building in Parkland, Fla., where a gunman killed 14 students and three staff members in 2018, using the grim backdrop to announce a new federal resource center and to call for stricter enforcement of gun laws.

The freshman building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School had been preserved as evidence for criminal trials and is set to be demolished this summer. For now, it remains a memorial to one of the most shocking mass shootings in the history of the United States.

In remarks after taking her tour and meeting for more than an hour with family members of victims of the attack, Ms. Harris said the experience had been a compelling one.

“Let us, through the courage and the call to action of these families, find it in ourselves to consider what they’ve been through as some level of motivation and inspiration for all of us,” she said.

“This school is soon going to be torn down,” the vice president added. “But the memory of it will never be erased.”

Ms. Harris said the attack, carried out by a former student with a history of mental health and behavior problems, should prompt officials around the country to embrace local red-flag laws. These allow courts to temporarily seize firearms and other dangerous weapons when they believe a person may be a threat to themselves or others. The Parkland shooter had purchased his gun legally.

In her remarks, Ms. Harris announced the creation of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center, which White House officials said would provide training and technical assistance to states as they work to implement their red-flag laws.

“Red-flag laws are simply designed to allow communities a vehicle through which they can share, and have somewhere to share it, information about the concern about the potential danger or the crying out for help of an individual,” she said.

In her brief remarks, Ms. Harris said that only 21 states had passed red-flag laws and that only six of those had accepted the Biden administration’s offer of financial resources to help implement them.

“I challenge the others: ‘Come on over. We’ve got some resources for you to help you implement the work that you have done,’” she said.

The visit by Ms. Harris to the school is part of the administration’s broader effort to increase gun control measures as the United States continues to suffer regular episodes of devastating gun violence, sometimes targeting young people in schools.

In 2022, President Biden signed into law the first significant federal gun control measure in decades . The law expanded the background check system for prospective gun buyers under the age of 21, gave authorities up to 10 business days to examine juvenile and mental health records and set aside millions of dollars so states can fund intervention programs.

But shootings have continued at a horrific pace since then. Scores of people have been killed in mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine; Monterey Park, Calif.; Louisville, Ky.; Hollywood, Fla.; and many other cities across the country.

Ms. Harris said that must change. But she expressed determination to continue fighting the political gridlock in Washington, where Republicans and some Democrats on Capitol Hill have long blocked more aggressive measures, like a ban on assault-style weapons that are often used in the deadliest mass shootings.

“I will continue to advocate,” she said. “Well, what we must do in terms of universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, what we must continue to do to treat diagnose and treat trauma in our communities.”

Reporters were not allowed to join Ms. Harris on her tour of the classroom building where the attacks had taken place, or to hear her conversations with the families.

Previous descriptions of the building included blood stains from the victims still on the walls, glass shattered from bullets on the floor, and books, paper and other school supplies strewn about as they were on that grim day.

Jurors in the trial of Nikolas Cruz, the convicted shooter, were taken on a tour of the building in the summer of 2022 as they deliberated over his punishment. (He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.)

Later, the school district announced that it would demolish the building.

“Broward County Public Schools reached this decision in consultation with health and safety experts, and out of concern for the well-being of students and staff on campus,” officials said in a statement at the time. “As we continue to heal, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Marjory Stoneman Douglas community.”

Michael D. Shear is a White House correspondent for The New York Times, covering President Biden and his administration. He has reported on politics for more than 30 years. More about Michael D. Shear

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