Honoring The Past: Memorial Day Coins

Memorial Day is a holiday for honoring and remembering the men and women who have died while serving their country in the United States Armed Forces. Observed on the last Monday in May, it is a special day for veterans and family members who have lost loved ones while serving.

The day pays homage to the selfless individuals who gave their lives in battle for our freedom. People mark the date in many unique ways, with memorial ceremonies and traditional honors both public and private. More and more people are presenting commemorative coins as keepsakes that friends and family members will display and carry with pride and respect. 

Challenge Coins Honor Tradition

Custom coins  celebrate all sorts of events and occasions. With a rich tradition and history in the U.S. military, challenge coins have long been a staple of military life. Military members receive challenge coins for promotions, noteworthy accomplishments and achievements and to commemorate special people, events or deployments throughout their careers. That’s one of many reasons why they are a popular choice for Memorial Day.

Challenge coins are significant because they encompass a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine’s career in the military. Because recipients hold them in high regard and carry or display them with pride, the coins are ideal for acknowledging noteworthy moments. They also are excellent memorial keepsakes for dates, places, and people. 

A Brief History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day as we know it began in 1868. Known as Decoration Day, observed on May 30, it was created to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. After World Wars I and II, it became a day of remembrance for all U.S. military members who died in service. In 1968, Congress changed the date of its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971, standardized its name to Memorial Day.

A Brief History of Challenge Coins

There’s no definitive answer to how and where challenge coins originated. The most popular story, although apocryphal, is that a wealthy lieutenant in what was then the Army Air Corps created insignia and had medallions made for his unit during World War I. One of the unit's fighter pilots was shot down and captured by German soldiers, who stripped him of all his identification. But they left him with the custom coin he kept in a leather pouch. 

The pilot was able to escape and made his way to French-occupied territory, where French soldiers took him for a German spy. Just as they were about to execute him, a French soldier recognized the symbol on it as American, saving the pilot’s life.

As noted, that’s just one story. Others claim challenge coins originated in World War II or Vietnam. Regardless of their origins, challenge coins have long since become a cherished part of military life, all the way from the Commander in Chief down to the newest recruit. That’s what makes them such a meaningful way to honor the memory of those men and women Memorial Day is designed to commemorate.

The Versatility of Challenge Coins

Challenge coins are versatile enough to be customized to say and show exactly what you want. Memorial coins tell a story in a unique way to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

When creating a custom coin for Memorial Day, take time to reflect on the characteristics of the person or event you want to remember. Including details adds a personal touch and sentimental value, turning your coin into something distinct and representative of the person you want to honor. Memorial coins can include important dates and slogans, logos, emblems, and other imagery that comes together in a meaningful manner.

Custom Options Add Detail

It's easy to make custom coins that are eye-catching and dramatic, thanks to a full range of options. Custom shapes, colors, edges and finishes add instant appeal.

Some popular coin options include:

Custom Shapes: While challenge coins are most often round, you’re not limited to any specific shape. We can craft custom coins in virtually any shape you can imagine, including ships, aircraft, tanks or just about anything else. 

Metal Finish: You can choose from a range of metal styles for your coins, including gold, silver or copper in both polished or antique finishes, polished black nickel, or iridescent. Dual plated finishes feature two different styles for contrast and an intricate look.

Colors: For an extra visual pop, add color to one or both sides of your custom coins. This an outstanding way to honor specific units such as 82nd Airborne Division members, for example.

Custom Edges: 

Add a distinct look and an element of maritime design with rope cut edges. These style is popular for Navy, Marine and Coast Guard coins.

Other edge styles add a sense of motion and extra facets that increase the brilliance of your coins by giving them more reflective surface area. Examples include cross cut, slash cut, wave cut – which mimics ocean waves – reeded and oblique cut.

Honoring Sacrifice, Cherishing Memories

Military service always carries risk, even in peaceful times. There’s no one right way to honor the sacrifice of those who give their lives for the sake of their nation. Challenge coins are a time-proven way to remember fallen loved ones and friends.

At ChallengeCoins4Less.com, we understand the significance and the history of challenge coins in the military. We also understand the impact these coins have as a memorial for those who have served and/or have lost a loved one in the line of duty. As Memorial Day approaches, consider commemorating that loved one in your life.

Our talented, experience team of graphic artists and designers who will work with you to create the perfect memorial coin. We have 20 years of experience, and we’d be honored to create something exceptional for you. 

Ready to get started? Call us toll free at (855) 272-8451, or email us at [email protected] to find out more. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our no-obligation free quote form, and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your coin design. We’ll work with you every step of the way to create the perfect memorial coins for your friend or loved one. We are proud to do our part to honor true American heroes.