Memorial Day 2026

Memorial Day is a US holiday observed on the last Monday in May. Who are we honoring? How did the holiday come about? Isn't Memorial Day usually on May 30th? 
Students learn a little about the history and work out the pattern behind why the date changes each year, and make observations about the scale of lives lost in war. While trying to make observations about the numbers, they can't help but appreciate the terrible cost of war and the gift that those who serve in the military have given to us.

⏰Min 30 minutes (less for older grades)
📝Suitable for Grades 5-9; 

More on Memorial Day:
Flag Art - A little ratio art might be a fun way to get ready for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.  In this activity, students measure, create whole-number ratios for the official U.S. flag, decide how our artistic flags will differ from the official flag, make stars from regular pentagons, and finally create a flag design in honor of Memorial Day.