Each November we observe Veterans day to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed forces. This is a great time to teach your children to honor and appreciate all they have done for our great nation. Here are a few facts you can share with your kids so they can learn more about this special day.
You likely don't need to look far to find a Veteran, do you have an family that served? What about your friends or neighbors? My grandfather served during WWII as well as my father-in law and my husband's mother served in the Royal Air Force during WWII, my father was in the Army in-between wars.
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- Veterans Day started out as "Armistice Day." In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day to remind Americans of the tragedies of war. This was one year following the signing of the armistice that ended World War I at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. The day became a federal holiday in 1938.
- After World War II, the name of the holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all United States War Veterans. Great Britain, France, and other countries continue to observe November 11th as Armistice Day. Canada celebrates Remembrance Day on this same date.
- Veterans Day today is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in all branches of the military: U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force - in wartime and in peace. It's not to be confused with Memorial Day, which is observed the last Monday each May honoring those who died in service.
- Veterans Day is one of up to twelve holidays proclaimed by the Federal Government each year. It's observed annually on November 11th, but there was a short time when the holidays observance was moved to the second Monday in November. In 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was signed to give federal employees three-day weekends for some holidays. Many were not happy with this change given the significance of November 11th date. Mid 1975, Congress amended the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to move Veterans Day back to November 11th. President Gerald Ford signed the act on September 20, 1975, which called for the move to happen in 1978.
Interesting Facts
- There is no apostrophe in Veterans Day, the day doen't belong to Veterans, it's in their honor
- During World War I, Walt Disney served as a Red Cross ambulance driver. During World War II, Disney Studios produced over 90,000 feet of training film to train the Navy's sailors on navigation tactics.
- Famous 4-Star General George S. Patton was born on November 11 and was a Southern California native.
- 26 Past Presidents Served their Country in our Armed Forces
- There are currently 16.5 million Veterans in the United States
- The state of Texas has the highest number of Veterans, followed by Florida and then California
- A National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at 11 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. The traditional event is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate not only the end of World War I, but also to honor all of those members of each of the military who lost their lives while serving their country.
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Learn more about Veterans Day
- The Origins of Veterans Day
- History of Veterans Day
- The WWI Origins of the Poppy as a Remembrance Symbol
- 14 Quotes Honoring U.S. Veterans
- How to Spot a Veteran
- Top 10 Celebrity Veterans
- Profiles in Courage: 5 Medal of Honor Recipients
- 5 Truly Badass Female Veterans
- What Children Can Learn About Service from Veterans
This is a great video to help your kids understand Veterans Day
Looking for a family activity for Veterans Day?
- What Children Can Learn About Service from Veterans
- Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event and activity calendar for events honoring and celebrating our Veterans
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