We have curated some fun & honoring additions for your Memorial Day!
Memorial Day formally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed yearly on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day that commemorates all men and women who have died while serving in the military for the United States of America.
The history of Memorial Day dates back to the American Civil War. It started as an event to honour soldiers who had died during the war. It is said to be inspired by the way people in the Southern states honoured the dead. The original national celebration of Decoration Day took place on 30 May 1868.
Today is ALL about honoring those who served – here are our printable ways for your community to take part:
Crafts for Memorial Day
These are great for doing in groups, or one-on-one!
- Pom-Pom American Flag Painting Craft
- Popsicle Stick Star Streamers
- Patriotic Jar Candle Holder Craft
YouTube Links
- A Short Video on the Meaning and Reasons for Memorial Day
- The History of Memorial Day
- Memorial Day Tribute – a moving tribute to watch
Movies & TV Shows to Watch
- Saving Private Ryan (1998) R | 2h 49min
- Megan Leavey (2017) PG-13 | 1h 56min
- Top Gun (1986) PG | 1h 50min
- Black Hawk Down (2001) R | 2h 24min
- Born on the Fourth of July (1989) R | 2h 25min |
- The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Approved | 2h 50min
- American Sniper (2014) R | 2h 13min
- The Longest Day (1962) G | 2h 58min
- Platoon (1986) R | 2h
- Glory (1989) R | 2h 2min
- They Were Expendable (1945) Approved | 2h 15min
- 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) R | 2h 24min
- Lincoln (2012) PG-13 | 2h 30min
- Flags of Our Fathers (2006) R | 2h 15min
- The War (2007) TV-14 | 2h 4min – Ken Burns’ 7 Part Series about WWII
- Forrest Gump (1994) PG-13 | 2h 22min
Top Songs for Your Playlist
- Spotify Memorial Day Playlist: Patriotic Songs to Honor the USA, Veterans, The Army, Marine Corps, Navy Seals, Coast Guard, And All Soldiers
- God Bless the USA – Lee Greenwood
- America (My Country Tis of Thee) – Fisher & Company
- Ragged Old Flag – US Army Band & US Army Chorus
- Yankee Doodle Dandy – The Hollywood Studio Orchestra & The Hollywood Studio Chorus
- Appalachian Spring – The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra & Dmitri Kitayenko
- Battle Hymn of the Republic – Bo Thorpe
- The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home – Justin Moore
- I Drive Your Truck – Lee Brice
- 8th of November – Big & Rich
- R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. – John Mellencamp
- Soldier’s Last Letter – Merle Haggard
- Only In America – Brooks & Dunn
- 50,000 Names Carved In The Wall – George Jones
- Color Me America – Dolly Parton
- Born in the U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
- God Bless America Again – Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty
- We’re An American Band – Grand Funk Railroad
- My Hero – Foo Fighters
- Travelin’ Soldier – The Chicks
- Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue – Toby Keith
- Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning) – Alan Jackson
- America Will Always Stand – Randy Travis
- An American Heart – Faith Hill
- Dear Uncle Sam – Loretta Lynn
- Some Gave All – Billy Ray Cyrus
- American Flag on the Moon – Brad Paisley
- American Spirit – Thomas Rhett
- Angel Flight – Radney Foster
- American Girl – Tom Petty
- America – Neil Diamond
