3 Memorial Day Craft Ideas

​No matter where you are in the world, you and your family are probably already making plans to celebrate Memorial Day. From BBQs to family time there are so many ways to spend the holiday.
 
There’s a good chance your post has some activities planned, such as participating in the National Moment of Remembrance. While the President or Vice President lay a wreath on soldiers' graves in Arlington National Cemetery each Memorial Day, he’ll also issue a Presidential Proclamation and Prayer for Peace at 3 p.m. local time. You can read the Prayer for Peace online with your children and then try out one of these Memorial Day crafts to get your kids in the patriotic spirit.

History of Memorial Day
 
Today, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May; it honors all the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. The holiday got its start in the years following the Civil War and was originally known as Decoration Day.
 
After the Civil War, which claimed an estimated 500,00 lives—more than any conflict in our nation’s history—Americans began holding springtime memorials for the fallen soldiers. Their tributes included decorating the graves of soldiers and reciting prayers.
 
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, called for a nationwide day of remembrance; this would later be known as Decoration Day. He declared, “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.”
 
The first Decoration Day was celebrated with a speech from General James Garfield at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 5,000 people gathered and decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington.
 
By 1890, most Northern states had made Decoration Day, an official holiday. However, Southern states, honored their soldiers on different days. It wasn’t until after World War I that the United States moved from honoring just the soldiers of the Civil War to honoring the military personnel who died in all wars.
 
In 1968, nearly a century after the holiday was first introduced, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, rather than May 30, giving federal employees a three-day weekend. You might even say that it also cemented the holiday as the unofficial start to summer, mixing the day of observance and reflection with lighthearted fun.
 
Memorial Day Craft Ideas
 
These crafts can be completed by kids of all ages but feel free to modify the steps to fit your child’s capabilities.
 
Patriotic Jar Candle
 
Your child can get creative with this craft! There are several ways to make this Memorial Day jar candle. They can paint on a design or roll it in embellishments to make it their own!
 
Supplies:

• Jars (mason jars or recycled glass jars will work)
• White glue, thinned with water
• Glass paint (acrylic or enamel)
• Paint brush
• Patriotic stickers, glitter, sequins, or confetti

 
Steps:

1. Clean and dry your jar
2. Use the paint to make a flag, stars, or other patriotic emblems
3. Or, coat the jar in glue, then roll it in the glitter, sequins, or confetti
4. Once the paint and/or glue is dry, you can finish the jars off with stickers
5. Place a battery-operated tea light “candle,” or string of lights inside

 
Red, White, and Blue Parfait

This “craft” also offers several iterations. You can make it as healthy as you want it and allow your kids to choose their favorite fruits to add to it.
 
Supplies:

• Clear glass
• Plain yogurt
• Whip cream
• Red and blue gelatin mix
• Red and blue fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, etc.)

 
Steps:

1. If you’re using gelatin, make it as directed on its box
2. In a tall, clear glass, alternate layers of your ingredients to create a red, white, and blue pattern; for example, start with strawberries, then add a layer of yogurt, then a layer of blueberries, and repeat, then top it off with another layer of yogurt or whipped cream

 
Stars and Stripes Kite
 
You can make this as a kite and let your kid try and get it airborne, or make it into a pennant and use it to decorate your home or kid’s room.
 
Supplies:

• Blue paper bags
• White star stickers, or white paper cut into the shape of stars
• Glue sticks
• Red and white streamers
• Yarn or string

 
Steps:

1. Start by decorating the bag with the star stickers or cutouts
2. For making a kite, cut a small hole on the bottom center of your bag, and insert one of yarn through the hole; tie the end inside the bag into a large knot and the longer end to a popsicle stick (this is what your child will hold as the kite flies)
3. For a pennant, make two small holes on the bottom of your bag, equally spaced from the center; insert yarn into the holes and tie in a knot on each end
4. Glue the streamers, alternating red and white, all around the inside of the opening (or top) of your bag
5. Go out and fly your kite or hang it up for a festive decoration

 
 
How are you spending Memorial Day this year? Share your plans in the comments below! And if you make any of these crafts, share photos of your kids’ finished product with me on Facebook or tag U.S. History Abroad on Instagram.