Proudvet365 - Memorial Day Colors And Their Symbolic Meanings

On every important day in the United States, you easily spot the Red, White, and Blue everywhere. Memorial Day is no exception that folks respectfully use these colors to commemorate those who fought and died for the stability of our nation. But they just do not limit the Memorial Day colors. There are other hues to tell us about the day as well – let’s dive into them right now!

What Are Memorial Day Colors?

Memorial Day colors represent the remembrance and characteristics of military soldiers who sacrificed. There are six symbolic colors to learn so far, including:

• Red
• White
• Navy Blue
• Yellow
• Olive Green
• Sapphire Blue

Red — poppies on the battlefield

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Commonly, the red color represents bravery, courage, and sacrifice. Red is precisely the color of blood that wars took from our fallen soldiers. 

But in the context of history, red is also the color of poppies — the flowers growing on battlefields. Veterans and military members have been attaching this flower as a badge on their shirts to remember the battles they fought and the military who died. 

That symbol of remembrance was inspired by a poem called “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, who served on the battlefields of World War I. This poem evokes the image of poppies growing in profusion on the battlefields and cemeteries of World War I.

After years of destruction by war, the poppies still grow on battlefields as if to remember those veterans who are no longer with us. 

White — purity and innocence

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The color white on the American flag symbolizes the pure virtues of soldiers who went to war for their country. The sacrifices made by soldiers come from both their courage and their will to give up selflessly.

Navy blue — vigilance, perseverance, and justice

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The navy blue is all about vigilance, perseverance, and justice, which the nation’s service members sacrificed their lives to achieve.

Men and women around the country chose this color to represent their remembrance of this year’s Memorial Day. Specifically, the event is called Wear Blue: Run to Remember. During this campaign, folks run while wearing blue to pay tribute to the service members who died in Global War or Terror. 

Yellow — the ribbon color of Memorial Day

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The poem “She Wears the Golden Ribbon” inspired the yellow ribbon. The poem has been around for over four centuries and tells the story of a woman wearing a yellow ribbon while waiting for her beloved to return during a war.

George Norton turned the poem into a song in 1917. The image of the yellow ribbon did not become popular with the US military until it was featured in the 1949 film “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.”

In addition, the United States Army chose yellow as its official color. It’s easy to spot on the Army Star logo.

Olive Green — the color of peace

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Olive green is one of the colors associated with peace, which the fallen service members achieved for the country. This color is also used in military logos and uniforms. It reminds them of the mission they carry — to bring peace back home. 

Sapphire Blue — the commemorative color to honor devotion

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Although this color has nothing to do with the military or historical events, its meaning perfectly fits Memorial Day.

Sapphire blue is a deep blue color representing the bond between commitment and gratitude. This color is considered a tribute to those sacrificing their lives to ensure America’s survival. 

How To Use The Colors For Memorial Day

There are several ways of showing remembrance through the colors. Flying the American flag at half staff is one of the simplest ways to do that. You can also wear those colors while attending Memorial events. However, if you genuinely love all mentioned colors, associate them with your Memorial Day home decor! 

Once again, Memorial day flags are the most crucial element to have on such a federal holiday — but hanging signs are also expressive. So have a look at the decorative items below to spark some ideas.

Memorial Day is approaching, and we can quickly feel that atmosphere where folks are heading their hearts toward our fallen service members. To get mindful of the day, you can learn about the Memorial Day colors. Also thanks to that, you’ll know partly how to pay tribute properly in a way that spreads. 

I hope you enjoy this post — and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more upcoming holiday news and home decor tips. 

Thanks for reading!