November 11th, known to Americans everywhere as Veteran’s Day, originally was a day to commemorate the ending of World War I. Known originally as Armistice Day, Veteran’s Day eventually evolved to a general holiday thanking all Veteran’s for their service to our Country as a whole. Teaching your kids about this important holiday can be fun and entertaining, as well as memorable for you all.
Activities to Teach Your Child About Veteran’s Day
Visit a Veteran’s Hospital – There are few better ways to teach your kids about what our Veterans go through than to visit a Veteran’s hospital. Even if you simply observe from a distance, you can show the kids the volume of Veterans that are injured and need help. Many VA hospitals have a wing where the kids can visit and meet some of our heroes that protect us. Always call ahead and ask about possibilities.
Write soldiers that are overseas – This is a wonderful way to show appreciation and creating a care package will make the soldier’s day as well. We have plenty of guys that are out fighting for our freedom right now and any one of them would love to hear from someone back home. There is no better way to celebrate Veteran’s Day than by putting a smile on a Veteran, right?
Have them do a report on a former or Current Military Member – Interviewing a friend or family member who served in the military is a good way to for them to gain appreciation of what is involved in serving our nation. If they don’t know someone who served, let your child check research someone who served in the military. Writing a report is still a great way to learn and appreciate those that came before us.
Visit a monument – There are many great monuments out there but not all areas will have National Landmarks. If you live in such an area, visit a local cemetery. The vast majority of them will have a military section or at least a handful of soldier’s gravesites. This is a solemn way to celebrate and say thank you but it is important for kids to grasp the gravity of the holiday early on. To truly understand the sacrifice, kids need to know the reality once they reach a certain age.
Volunteer with a Veteran’s Hospital or Agency – Most cities have some type of volunteer opportunities that are military centric. If nothing else, volunteer with the Red Cross in honor of Veteran’s Day. There are always things we can do to help out our fellow men and women. That is what the Veterans are doing with every day of service they provide…give that same love and acceptance back.
Veteran’s Day is really the easiest holiday there is to learn about. Quite simply we are thanking our servicemen and women for keeping us safe as a country. Getting that point across to our kids early on is not only fun, it is our responsibility.
More Patriotic Activities for Kids
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10 Patriotic Dessert & Snack Recipes
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