Create a simple lantern to commemorate ANZAC Day. Paper lanterns symbolize the light of service and sacrifice of military personnel. Brightly colored lanterns hanging in honour of ANZAC heroes past and present bring warmth to solemn ceremonies and celebrations.
Gather Supplies
•Square of lightweight cardstock or tissue paper in red, white, gold and green
•Tape
•Scissors
•String or ribbon
•Craft punch or hole punch
Cut the Cardstock
Cut one square of red cardstock and one square of green cardstock. Cut one square of white cardstock and one square of gold cardstock. Cut a smaller square out of the center of each square to create a frame shape.
decorate the Lanterns
With adult guidance, have children color in, sticker, paint or collage educational pictures about ANZAC Day on each lantern square. They can create star or poppy designs to represent service and remembrance. Spell out messages of peace, courage and gratitude on the lanterns.
Attach the Lanterns
Tape the lantern squares together at the edges to form little boxes. Use the craft punch to punch a hole in the very top center of each lantern. Thread string or ribbon through the top hole and tie ends together to make a hanging loop.
Display and Share
Hang the colorful lanterns to decorate for ANZAC Day ceremonies and celebrations. Share pictures of lanterns on social media to help raise awareness of the day’s significance. Display lanterns at schools, places of worship or in local community events.
Remember and Honor
Creating lanterns helps children develop an understanding of the important sacrifices made by military personnel past and present to keep citizens safe and ensure freedoms. ANZAC Day lanterns make a bright way to honor the service and remember the fallen.