The flag is the most recognizable symbol of the U.S.A.
Name any national holiday, and there is probably a parade celebrating that holiday. If you are planning to participate in a local celebration with a parade float, think carefully about your float design. Patriotic parade floats can pull themes and inspiration from sources such as national symbols, cultural history and national heroes.
National Symbols
The most straightforward way to design a patriotic float is to showcase national symbols. Some items to use for a patriotic float in the United States include the American flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell. Whatever items you choose, make sure that the overall theme showcases the national colors of red, white and blue. One simple yet effective way to do this is to add patriotic bunting around the edge of the float.
Historical Events
For a more specific theme, create a design that commemorates an important event in your country’s history. Choose an event that most people are familiar with and make sure that it is one you can easily portray on a parade float. For example, one famous event in American history is Washington’s crossing of the Delaware river during the Revolutionary War; this event is also portrayed in a famous painting that most Americans have seen at one time or another. To translate this scene into a float, design the float to look like the boat Washington used and have the people on the float dress up as Washington and his soldiers.
Tributes
One way to show your patriotism is to pay tribute to those who have made sacrifices or nationally recognized achievements. For example, honor the men and women who serve in the armed forces with a military-themed parade float. You may wish to acknowledge a particular branch of the military. In this case, design the float to look like a fighter jet for the Air Force, an aircraft carrier for the Navy, or a tank for the Army.
