All submissions will be displayed at the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center during the Memorial Day Observance. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Students in grades TK through 12 are invited to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by submitting artwork for the 2026 Memorial Day Student Art Contest exhibit titled “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

The contest, organized by the Rancho Cordova Memorial Day Committee, asks students to create 2-dimensional art capturing the beauty and significance of the American flag. The top 10 entries will receive $25 gift cards and a Rancho Cordova jigsaw puzzle.

“Our Memorial Day Student Art Contest is an effort to help teach our younger generation about the meaning of important American symbols,” said Cordova Community Council Executive Director Shelly Blamchard. “Last year, we focused on the history and meaning behind red poppies.  In honor of our country's 250th anniversary, celebrating the American flag, which was created during the American Revolution, seemed like a perfect choice.”

All submissions will be displayed at the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center during the Memorial Day Observance at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. Students in attendance whose artwork is selected will be introduced and honored for their work.

“As students concentrate on creating something artful around the flag, we hope they will also be thinking about what it all means. If we have an overarching goal, it is to bring knowledge of these American traditions to a new generation of Americans, many of whom were not born here and may not know them,” said Blanchard.

Artwork may be dropped off at the MACC, 10191 Mills Station Rd, during regular hours, Thursdays and Fridays from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Saturday, May 16. Entries must include the artist’s name, age, grade, school and telephone number.

“We are building our 2026 Memorial Day event around the American flag. You will hear about it in the music and see how our youth interpret it in the Art Contest,” said Blanchard. “We are planning a ceremonial flag folding with all the symbolism that comes with it.  We all know what the American flag looks like, but I think many people will be surprised by its history and symbolism.”

All works submitted will become part of the Memorial Day exhibit and will not be returned.

For more information, contact Shelly Blanchard at 916-273-5707 or [email protected].