Introduction

Memorial Day  is an important day in May.

It is when we stop to honor men and women of the U.S. military who gave their all in American wars, meaning they died. It is different from Veteran’s Day which honors everyone who served. One of the biggest Memorial Day traditions is for the president or vice president to give a speech. Another is for the president or vice president to lay a wreath on soldiers’ graves in the largest U.S. military burial ground, Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia.

Citizens fly the flag. We may go to a march. We may put a flowers on a grave.
This is how we say thank you and, most important, ensure that we do not forget their sacrifices.

Let’s take a closer look:

Reflect: How can you honor the members of the military who paid the ultimate price for this country?

Activity: “Flags of Honor – Story Through Symbol”

Create a flag or banner using art materials on the art shelf to represent (show) gratitude, sacrifice, and honor. Write one-two short sentences about your artwork.

Think about symbols of gratitude:

• Hearts
• Rose
• Flag
• Eagles

Think about Patterns in the flag

• stripes
• lines
• colors that suggest bravery, peace, or care

Gallery Walk /

• Share place your flag on your desk
• Walk quietly and respectfully as a group to view each other’s artwork and share your thoughts