Honoring Heroes: Educational Memorial Day Activities for Students

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer or a day for barbecues—it’s a solemn national holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to the country. Teaching students the meaning behind Memorial Day helps our future generations understand the cost of freedom, and the importance of remembrance. Here are meaningful, educational Memorial Day activities for students of all ages that can be incorporated into lesson plans to encourage reflection and gratitude for the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for our great country:

1. Create a Memorial Wall of Heroes

Have students research fallen soldiers from their state or local community and create a memorial wall in the classroom or hallway. Each student can make a poster or a card that includes the soldier’s name, photo (if available), branch of service, and a brief biography. This personal connection helps humanize history and emphasizes the individual sacrifices made. The Library of Congress is a great resource for additional information on the hero soldiers who lost their lives in all of our wars.

2. Letter-Writing to Veterans and Active-Duty Troops

While Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died in service, writing letters to veterans and active-duty members of the military helps students understand the broader context of service. Discuss the differences between Veterans Day and Memorial Day and how both are part of honoring military contributions.

3. Visit a Local Cemetery or Memorial

If possible, organize a class trip to a local veterans cemetery or war memorial. Have students participate in a moment of silence or lay flowers on graves of fallen soldiers. Many cemeteries also host ceremonies around Memorial Day that schools can attend to observe traditions like flag placements and honor guards.

4. Host a Guest Speaker

Invite a veteran, military family member, or representative from a local American Legion or VFW post to speak to students. Personal stories make history come alive, and hearing about sacrifice and service firsthand can be profoundly impactful.

5. Study and Analyze Memorial Day Speeches

Introduce students to famous Memorial Day speeches, such as those by presidents or military leaders. Analyze the themes of sacrifice, patriotism, and remembrance. Older students can write their own speeches or reflection essays expressing what Memorial Day means to them. The History Reader is a great resource for teachers and students interested in analyzing speeches, proclamations and statements.

6. Flag Etiquette Lessons

Teach students the meaning of the American flag, why it’s flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon, and how to properly fold and handle the flag. This symbolic act helps instill respect and reverence for national traditions.

7. Art Projects Inspired by Patriotism

Younger students can participate in art projects such as making poppy flowers (a traditional symbol of remembrance), drawing scenes of national memorials, or crafting patriotic collages. Pair the art with a short writing piece on why we honor soldiers.

8. Memorial Day Book Reading and Discussion

Select age-appropriate books that explore the theme of sacrifice and remembrance. Some recommended titles include:

• “The Wall” by Eve Bunting
• “America’s White Table” by Margot Theis Raven
• “Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” by Jeff Gottesfeld
• Remember Us by Robert Edsel
  After reading, hold a class discussion on what students learned and felt.

9. Moments of Reflection

On the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, consider holding a school-wide moment of silence or a remembrance assembly. Educational Memorial Day activities could include letting students share poems, letters, or artwork in honor of those who served.

10. Research and Report: The Origins of Memorial Day

Assign a research project where students trace the origins of Memorial Day, from its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War to its establishment as a national holiday. They can present their findings through presentations, essays, or creative timelines.

The Teacher’s Academy – A Family of Soldiers
The teachers at The Teacher’s Academy are so grateful to our family of soldiers who proudly served and continue to serve our country. Today, we will take time to remember and reflect on the sacrifice American soldiers and their families have made, to preserve our freedom. You are not forgotten. Thank you.

By incorporating educational Memorial Day activities into your curriculum, you’re not only helping students understand the significance of this important holiday—you’re also nurturing a sense of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility. Remembering the fallen isn’t just about looking back—it’s about teaching the next generation why we must never forget.