Memorial Day Coloring Page (Free Printable For You!)

This Memorial Day Coloring Page was respectfully hand drawn for the holiday weekend. It features poppies which are given out by the American Legion on Memorial Day and is free for you to print off and enjoy with family and friends!

Jump to:

• Memorial Day Coloring Page Free Printable
• Memorial Day background story
• Decoration Day begins
• Memorial Day as a national holiday
• Typical Memorial Day activities
• Memorial Day weekend
• Our Memorial Day event
• ​Want other free coloring pages?
• Enjoy!
• Supplies for the Memorial Day Coloring Page
• Memorial Day Coloring Page Free Printable for You

Memorial Day Coloring Page Free Printable

This free printable Memorial Day Coloring Page is ready for you to print copies & then color together with family and friends as you celebrate the holiday weekend.

Perhaps there are stories from your family that may be told while you are together. It is a great way to pass on those stories while also learning the meaning of Memorial Day.

​Here is a download link for the free printable Memorial Day coloring pages: Memorial Day Coloring Page Free Printable for You. Don't forget to print one for yourself, because it is great for kids of all ages!

I like to print my coloring pages out on Cardstock paper in white. That way markers don't leak through the paper. You can use Colored pencils, crayons, gel pens, or colored markers of course.

You will notice I'm using my favorite Prismacolor Colored Pencils. I love them- but any pencils will work well!

Memorial Day background story

Memorial day is a national holiday that’s set aside in the United States for honoring those who have died during their time of military service in the armed forces. Those who have died and served in their lifetimes are also honored.

The background to this holiday is kind of disputed as far as how it started and when and where. I’m not going to go into that. I’m just going to look at the fact that it is celebrated now.

Decoration Day begins

Decoration Day (one of the names it was once called) spread among the states in the late 1800s. It was started to honor those who had been lost in military service. They "decorated" the graves with flowers.

It was often celebrated by women’s groups of various sorts that felt like it was important to remember the service of those who had died in various wars. This practice increased following president Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.

There are other days that are set aside to honor those who are currently in the armed forces. One of which is Veteran's Day on November 11.

Memorial Day as a national holiday

The name Memorial Day became more common after World War II and that name became official by federal law in 1967.

​Memorial Day became a national holiday by a Congressional act in 1971. It is a Federal Holiday meaning federal workers receive a paid holiday that day. Many other companies also give their works that day off.

Typical Memorial Day activities

Many towns have parades and bands that play in their public parks on Memorial Day. 

Many cemeteries have public ceremonies that honor veterans.

But the most common active remembrance is done by placing flowers on the graves. A small American flag is also placed on the graves of those who have served in the military.

Memorial Day weekend

The date was moved to a Monday to hook it up to a weekend making it easier to celebrate. Memorial Day is now officially on the last Monday of May each year.

Memorial Day is also seen as kind of an unofficial opening to the summer months.

So there are many picnics and outings and celebrations with family as well.

Our Memorial Day event

Personally, our family always meets at the cemetery where most of our generational ancestors are buried. Several were veterans. But we place flowers on all of the graves. 

The cemetery has a ceremony in the morning. The Boy Scouts post the flags and the names of every veteran buried there is read, telling which war they served in.

There is a speech and a wreath is presented. Afterwards the American Legion gives a 10 gun salute and taps is always played.

It’s a very sobering time but also very special. It’s well attended in our community.

Following the outdoor ceremony there is a coffee time and much visiting amongst those that have gathered. There are always a lot of stories and as a result, we do remember. We remember those in our pasts that are no longer with us and those that have served in the military.

I think I'll print off some of these free Memorial Day Coloring Pages for the kids to use that day!!

The poppy as a symbol of remembrance

The American Legion adopted the Poppy as an official symbol of remembrance so they are passed out to all who want one at the service.

You will see poppies featured in this respectfully hand drawn Memorial Day coloring page.

I hope that it is special to you, regardless of your background or practices.

Here is a link to the free coloring page again: Memorial Day Coloring Page Free Printable for You.

​Want other free coloring pages?

There are lots of free coloring pages on Welcome to Nanas! Give a search under the "Coloring Book" tab or here are a couple suggestions!

• Decorating the May Pole Coloring Page
• The Merry Month of May Coloring Page
• Summer Bike Ride Coloring Page
• Lazy Days of Summer June Coloring Page
• Summer Sky July Coloring Page

Enjoy!

If you try this craft, let me know! Go ahead and leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo with #WelcometoNanas wherever you post.

Come join the fun at https://welcometonanas.com

Supplies for the Memorial Day Coloring Page

• Cardstock paper in white
• Copy of the free printable: Memorial Day Coloring Page Free Printable for You (one per person)
• Colored pencils, crayons, gel pens, or colored markers
• Prismacolor Colored Pencils (optional)