Designing Memorial Day flyers for military and veteran organizations requires specialized knowledge of military traditions and protocols to properly honor fallen service members while effectively communicating with a knowledgeable audience that expects precision and respect.
For general Memorial Day design principles applicable to all industries, see our Memorial Day Flyer
Design Guide. For detailed guidance on symbols and imagery, refer to our Memorial Day Symbolism
Guide.
Why Do Military And Veteran Organizations Need Specialized Memorial Day Flyers?
Military and veteran organizations need specialized Memorial Day flyers because they serve as official representatives of military tradition with unique responsibilities in honoring fallen service members.
Unique Purpose Of Military/Veteran Memorial Day Events
Unlike general community events or commercial promotions, military and veteran organizations hold
Memorial Day events with specific ceremonial purposes:
- Formal remembrance ceremonies honoring those who died in military service
- Flag placement at cemeteries and memorial sites
- Honor guard presentations and military honors
- Gold Star family recognition and support
These ceremonial elements require communication approaches that differ from general Memorial Day messaging.
Specific Audience Expectations
The audience for military/veteran organization flyers typically includes:
- Veterans who have personal connections to fallen comrades
- Active duty service members honoring those lost in service
- Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in military service
- Military families with deep understanding of service traditions
This audience has higher expectations for accuracy, protocol adherence, and appropriate tone than the general public.
What Are The Essential Elements Of Military/veteran Memorial Day Flyer?
A military/veteran Memorial Day flyer must include precise branch specific imagery and information that meets the expectations of a knowledgeable military audience.
Military Branch Specific Imagery And Colors
When designing for organizations affiliated with specific branches, use branch-appropriate visual elements:
| Military Branch | Colors | Symbols |
|---|---|---|
| Army |
Black (#000000)
Gold (#FFD700)
White (#FFFFFF)
Army Green (#4B5320)
|
Army Star, Army Seal, Crossed Rifles |
| Navy |
Navy Blue (#000080)
Gold (#FFCC00)
White (#FFFFFF)
|
Anchors, Navy Seal, Fouled Anchor |
| Marines |
Scarlet (#FF0000)
Gold (#FFCC00)
Black (#000000)
|
Eagle, Globe and Anchor (EGA), Marine Corps Seal |
| Air Force |
Ultramarine Blue (#0033AA)
Silver/Grey (#AAAAAA)
White (#FFFFFF)
|
Air Force Star, Wings, Air Force Seal |
| Coast Guard |
Coast Guard Blue (#003366)
Coast Guard Red (#CC0000)
White (#FFFFFF)
|
Coast Guard Seal, Racing Stripe Element |
| Space Force |
Deep Blue (#1D2951)
Silver/Grey (#AAAAAA)
Black (#000000)
|
Delta Symbol, Space Force Seal |
When representing multiple branches, arrange symbols in order of service establishment (Army, Navy,
Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force).
Required Remembrance Elements
Memorial Day flyers for military/veteran organizations should include specific remembrance elements:
Gold Star Recognition
- Gold Star symbol (gold star on white background with red border)
- Acknowledgment of Gold Star families’ sacrifice
- Appropriate positioning of Gold Star elements
Traditional Memorial Elements
- “In Memory Of” or “In Remembrance” language
- Battlefield Cross symbolism for combat veteran events
- Symbolism of sacrifice (folded flags, empty chairs, memorial wreaths)
Military Honors References
- Honor Guard elements if relevant to the event
- 21-Gun Salute notation if part of the ceremony
- Taps performance information
Memorial Flag Planning Calculator
Planning flag placements for Memorial Day events requires precise calculations to ensure proper honors for all grave sites. Use this calculator to determine flag quantities, volunteer requirements, and timing for your organization’s Memorial Day observances.
Planning Note: When organizing flag placement events, allocate additional time for volunteer coordination, transportation to multiple locations, and a proper briefing on respectful placement protocols. For large ceremonies, consider dividing volunteers into teams with designated section leaders.
Essential Event Information Placement
Military and veteran events often have specific protocols that must be clearly communicated:
Ceremony Specific Information
- Precise timing of ceremonial elements
- Dress code requirements (uniform specifications if applicable)
- Participation protocols (when to stand, salute, etc.)
- Weather contingency plans for outdoor ceremonies
Command and Organization Structure
- Event host/command information
- Chain of command for the event
- Official sponsors and supporting organizations
- Proper titles and ranks of speakers or officiants
Logistical Details
- Precise timing with military time format option
- Exact location with coordinates or clear landmarks
- Transportation and parking guidance
How Should Military Symbolism Be Used On Memorial Day Flyers?
When incorporating military symbolism in your flyers, remember these key principles:
- Use official versions of military emblems from authorized sources
- Maintain proper proportions and colors for all symbols
- Follow proper positioning protocols, especially for the American flag
- Verify accuracy of any rank insignia, medals, or decorations
- Provide appropriate context for symbols specific to military service
Military audiences will notice even small inaccuracies in symbolism, so when in doubt, consult with current or former military personnel before finalizing your design.
According to pew research center, 74% of post 9/11 veterans believe civilians fail to appreciate the sacrifices of military service, highlighting the need for memorial day posters that precise military branch-specific imagery and remembrance elements to honor fallen service members authentically.1
What Messaging Works Best For Military/Veteran Memorial Day Flyers?
Military and veteran organization flyers require precise terminology that honors military sacrifice while providing clear information.
Appropriate Terminology For Fallen Service Members
Preferred Terms
- “Fallen service members” or “the fallen”
- “Those who gave their lives in service”
- “Service members who died in defense of our nation”
- “Those who made the ultimate sacrifice”
Terms to Avoid
- “Lost soldiers” (implies misplacement rather than death)
- “Casualties” (technical military term, less personal)
- “Victims” (removes agency and honor)
Naming Considerations
- When listing names of the fallen, verify correct spelling and rank
- Follow military protocols for listing details (rank, name, unit)
- Obtain permissions from families when featuring specific fallen service members
Military-Specific Memorial Terminology
Different branches and military communities have unique terminology for memorial contexts:
Army Terminology
- “Fiddler’s Green” (traditional cavalry afterlife)
- “Final formation” or “final roll call”
Navy/Marine Terminology
- “Fair winds and following seas”
- “Eternal patrol” (submarine service)
- “Gone to sea” or “crossed the bar”
Air Force Terminology
- “Fly high” or “final flight”
- “Blue skies” or “clear skies”
- “Into the wild blue yonder.”
General Military Terminology
- “Taps” (reference to the bugle call played at military funerals)
- “Stand down” (rest after duty)
- “Laid to rest with honors.”
Balance Of Commemoration And Community Building
Effective military/veteran memorial day flyers must balance solemn remembrance with organizational mission:
Commemoration Elements
- Dedicated sections for remembrance language and symbolism
- Clear information about memorial ceremonies
- Recognition of Gold Star families
Community Building Elements
- Resources available to veterans and families
- Opportunities for continued service
- Support networks and assistance programs
Visual Balance Strategies
- Use design elements to create distinct sections for different purposes
- Consider using page divisions or color coding to separate elements
- Maintain appropriate tone shift between sections
How To Design Flyers For Different Types Of Military/Veteran Memorial Day Events?
Different military and veteran events require tailored flyer designs that reflect their specific purpose, traditions, and audience.
Remembrance Ceremonies
Remembrance ceremonies are among the most solemn Memorial Day events and require flyers with particular dignity:
Design Approach
- Formal, dignified layout with ample white space
- Traditional military colors (may vary by branch)
- Limited graphic elements focused on ceremonial symbols
- Clear hierarchy of information emphasizing protocols
- Consistent, formal typography throughout
Essential Content Elements
- Precise timing of ceremonial components
- Participants and their roles (with proper titles)
- Expected protocols for attendees (when to stand, etc.)
- Dress code information (uniform specifications if applicable)
Visual Elements
- Official emblems and seals in proper format
- Memorial imagery (folded flag, battlefield cross, etc.)
- Formal borders or framing elements
- Traditional memorial symbols (wreaths, eternal flame)
Case study: VFW Post Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Example: VFW Post 1234 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony
Key Design Elements
- Formal layout with centered alignment and traditional borders
- Official VFW emblem properly positioned at top
- American flag imagery shown at half staff (morning ceremony)
- Subdued color palette: navy blue, gold, white, and black
- Military cemetery imagery as background (subtle opacity)
Content Strengths
- Precise timing of ceremonial elements with military time format
- Proper listing of participants with full rank and titles
- Clear information about ceremonial protocols for attendees
- Inclusion of historical context about the post’s memorial traditions
Effective Elements
- Gold Star family recognition section
- Military chaplain invocation noted in program
- Specific information about honor guard and rifle detail
- Weather contingency plans clearly noted
- Parking and accessibility information for veterans
What Makes It Successful
- Maintains formal, dignified appearance appropriate to solemn ceremony
- Provides complete information about ceremonial elements and protocols
- Uses appropriate military terminology and rank designations
- Includes practical information without diminishing ceremony’s significance
For ready to use designs that incorporate these military specific principles, explore our Military & Veteran Memorial Day templates are given below.
How Should Military Organizations Effectively Distribute Memorial Day Flyers?
Military and veteran organizations have specialized distribution channels for Memorial Day flyers.
On base Distribution Protocols
When distributing flyers on military installations, follow these specialized protocols:
Required Approvals
Installation commander approval (or designated authority)
Public Affairs Office (PAO) review and approval
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) coordination if applicable
Unit command approval for unit specific distribution
Approved Distribution Locations
- Community bulletin boards in approved areas
- MWR facilities (with permission)
- Exchange and commissary community boards (with approval)
- Base/post libraries and education centers
Documentation Requirements
- Maintain copies of all approvals
- Follow specific posting guidelines for each location
- Include approval information on flyers if required
Veteran Service Organization channels
Veteran service organizations (VSOs) have established networks ideal for Memorial Day flyer distribution:
VSO Post/Chapter Distribution
- Local post/chapter buildings (bulletin boards, information tables)
- Regular membership meetings and gatherings
- Post/chapter newsletters (physical and digital)
- Auxiliary organization networks
- Service officer distribution to client networks
Inter-Organization Coordination
- Veterans councils and collaborative groups
- Multi VSO events and gatherings
- Shared facilities and resource centers
- Reciprocal distribution agreements between organizations
Digital Distribution Best Practices
Digital distribution requires consideration of veteran preferences and security concerns:
Website Strategies
- Prominent placement on organization homepage
- Dedicated Memorial Day event page with all details
- Downloadable PDF flyers for printing or forwarding
- Mobile optimized information for on-the-go access
Email Distribution
- Segmented lists for targeted messaging
- Mobile friendly email formats
- Clear subject lines specifying Memorial Day content
- Multiple sending dates (initial, reminder, final notice)
Security and Privacy Considerations
- Respect operational security in all content
- Avoid collecting unnecessary personal information
- Consider veteran privacy concerns in public forums
- Be aware of potential triggering content for combat veterans
Timeline Recommendations
Strategic timing is crucial for Memorial Day flyer distribution in military contexts:
Planning Phase (90-45 Days Prior)
- Secure necessary approvals from military commands
- Submit for publication in military and VSO newsletters
- Coordinate with military unit training schedules
Initial Distribution (45-30 Days Prior)
- Launch web and social media presence
- Distribute to VSO channels and membership networks
- Place flyers in long term installation locations
Reminder Phase (30-14 Days Prior)
- Refresh installation postings
- Send reminder emails to membership lists
- Distribute through unit channels
Final Push (14-7 Days Prior)
- Send final reminder communications
- Place flyers in high traffic areas
- Maximize social media presence
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with proper permissions. Use only official versions from military websites, maintain exact proportions, and ensure appropriate contextual usage. Include your organization’s relationship to the branch. Verify requirements through each branch’s public affairs office.
Memorial Day flyers focus on honoring fallen service members with solemn imagery and remembrancefocused language. Veterans Day flyers honor all veterans with more celebratory elements and service appreciation themes.
Use formal, respectful terminology with proper military titles, ranks, and ceremonial terms. Avoid contractions and casual expressions. The degree of formality may vary slightly based on the specific event type.
Standard letter size (8.5″ × 11″) works best for most installation posting policies. Verify specific restrictions with the installation Public Affairs Office.
Use “Join us in honoring the fallen,” “Stand with us in remembrance,” or “Support our Gold Star families.” Avoid commercial-sounding phrases and frame calls-to-action around concepts of duty, honor, and respect.
People Also Ask
1. What military-specific elements should I include in a Memorial Day flyer for a veteran organization?
Include proper branch emblems, appropriate ceremonial terminology, military time format, correct titles and ranks, Gold Star family recognition, and ceremony-specific elements like honor guard information and military chaplain participation.
2. How can small veteran posts create professional Memorial Day flyers with limited resources?
Use free design tools like Canva, access official military imagery through public domain sources, leverage member expertise, use standardized formats that can be updated annually, and partner with local businesses for printing assistance.
3. What are the proper protocols for listing fallen service members on a Memorial Day flyer?
List full rank/rate, first name, middle initial, last name; include branch of service; verify spelling and rank accuracy; obtain permission from next-of-kin when featuring specific individuals; and arrange names chronologically or alphabetically.
Conclusion
Creating effective Memorial Day flyers for military and veteran organizations requires specialized knowledge of military traditions, symbolism, and communication protocols. By following these guidelines, you can design materials that honor the true purpose of Memorial Day while effectively serving your organization’s mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Use branch-specific symbols, colors, and terminology with precision
- Follow protocols for representing military insignia and ceremonial elements
- Maintain tone that acknowledges Memorial Day’s solemn nature
- Distribute through military-specific channels with appropriate timing
References
1. On Memorial Day, public pride in veterans, but at a distance. Retrieved April 30, 2025, from Pew Research Center.
