Holidays are my absolute favorite! Memorial Day in particular has a special place in my heart. When growing up as a preteen and teenager, I remember Memorial Day as being surrounded by family and all of my grandparents telling war stories. Though stories are educational and entertaining, sometimes explaining Memorial Day to younger children are difficult especially if you have had a recent loss. To honor our beloved servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, here are some educational and creative Memorial Day crafts for kids of all ages. They will help you connect on a personal level while educating your children. I hope you enjoy these ideas for fun patriotic crafts.
Easy Memorial Day Crafts For Kids
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. The holiday, which is observed on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
Memorial Day crafts can be a meaningful way to commemorate and honor those who have served in the military and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. Crafting can also be a way to engage children and teach them about the significance of Memorial Day, helping them understand the importance of honoring and remembering those who have served. Additionally, crafts can be a way to express gratitude and patriotism, creating a sense of unity and community around this important holiday. Here are several fun memorial day arts and crafts projects that you can enjoy making together with your children as you talk about the meaning of Memorial Day.
1. American Flag Craft
Create an American flag from construction paper. As you all cut and glue, you can explain:
- The stripes represent the 13 original colonies
- 50 stars represent the number of states
- Red symbolizes courage and strength
- White symbolizes purity and innocence
- Blue symbolizes justice and determination
Allowing your children to create their own American Flag allows them to increase their comprehension skills. By doing arts and crafts like creating the flag, they make the connection of the importance of the flying flag with the holiday to honor veterans. For older children you can encourage critical thinking skills by asking for examples of how servicemen and women displayed courage.
2. Memorial Day Word Search
Create or print a Memorial Day word search. This allows project allows children to expand their vocabulary while also improving creative thinking skills by having children explain how each word applies to Memorial Day. Some words that you can include if you create a word search are:
- Veterans
- Grandparents
- Service
- Heroes
- Tradition
- Honor
- Duty
- Sacrifice
- Freedom
3. Memorial Day Hero Collage
The last and most important way to show people you care is by paying your respects. If you have ever had a lost one that was a hero in your eyes, it didn’t matter their occupation, it was how they made such as large impact in your life. Visit a hero’s memorial site or if you are unable to, start a conversation about why they are your hero. Sometimes the most important lessons to children are through memories and forming connections. Then make a collage with your child about the hero and using red, white and blue. It is a great craft to memorialize your hero on Memorial Day!
4. Patriotic Wind Sock
This patriotic craft will allow your children to decorate for Memorial Day weekend and show their support of veterans. Windsock tutorial with step-by-step directions.
5. Patriotic Sun Catcher
Young children will love getting to work with tissue paper in the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. Try this tutorial for a patriotic sun catcher.
6. Thank You Cards
Have children create thank you cards for veterans and active-duty military members. Crafts are a great way to add fun to your memorial day celebrations which may other wise feel somber.
7. Patriotic Wreath
Create a wreath using red, white, and blue ribbons, fabric, or paper. Add wooden stars and ribbon stripes for a patriotic touch. If you would like a tutorial, I just love this memorial day wreath.
8. Memory Candles
Decorate candles with patriotic colors and symbols. Light them in memory of loved ones who have served. Acrylic paint is a popular choice because it adheres well to the surface of candles. It is available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Use a sealant to ensure the paint stays on the candle and to give it a glossy finish. Or you can use specialty candle paints from your craft store.
9. Flag T-shirts
Use red white and blue fabric paints or markers to create American flag designs on plain white T-shirts. The flag is a symbol of the country’s commitment to liberty and freedom for its citizens. The red stripes represent hardiness and valor, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who have fought to protect the country. The white stripes symbolize purity and innocence, reflecting the country’s idealistic foundations. The blue field, known as the canton, represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice, underscoring the nation’s enduring commitment to these principles.
10. Poppy Flower Craft
Memorial Day poppies are a significant symbol in honoring military personnel who have died in service to their country. The tradition of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day in the United States originates from the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during World War I. The poem describes how poppies grew over the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders, a region heavily affected by the war. In 1920, the National American Legion adopted the poppy as their official symbol of remembrance. Get the full instructions for this Memorial Day craft at Memorial Day Felt Poppy Tutorial.
Conclusion
Memorial Day typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Many volunteers place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.
These fun Memorial Day crafts can be a meaningful way to honor and remember those who have served their country. I hope these creative and educational Memorial Day arts and crafts for children bring you and your family joy this holiday. Do you have any special Memorial Day traditions you would like to share? Let us know @familyfocusblog!
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