Looking for things to do so your family can thank and honor those that have served their country this Veterans Day November 11th?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday meant to honor America's military veterans. The date is significant because the Armistice with Germany went into effect in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, for all practical purposes putting an end to World War I. The day was known as Armistice Day until 1954 when U.S. veteran organizations successfully lobbied to have it changed to Veterans Day. It's an opportunity for us to honor and show appreciation to the men and women who have served this great country.
One thing I personally do anytime I see someone in uniform or even someone who's wearing a hat or shirt indicating they have served is to stop and say "Thank you for your Service" and I make it a point to encourage my kids to do the same.
To all of our Veterans and their families, THANK YOU for your service and sacrifice.
We have five ideas on how your family can honor veterans for Veterans Day, whether you have veterans in your family, or simply want to thank those in your community who have served.
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1. Attend a Veterans Day parade
Many communities have a Veterans Day parade or other events to honor veterans. Take your family! Your support, simply by your presence, means a lot.
Check back for Parade information or check the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas local event and activity Calendar for the most up to date information.
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2. Fly a flag
Put your American flag out on Veterans Day and fly it for all to see. This is a day of celebration, not mourning, so your flag should not be flown at half mast. To get your youngest ones involved, decorate for the day by putting small flags into the ground and line your sidewalk.
Do you want to know more about how to fly the American Flag?
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3. Visit a VA Hospital or Veterans Home
Reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital or veterans home near you, call ahead to see if visitors are allowed so you can stop by and say thank you in person. A simple thank you, can mean the world to someone else. You don't need to go as far as Ventura or Los Angeles, you can contact local Assisted Living facilities and Nursing homes as they often have many residents who are Veterans, please do call ahead to make arrangements.
4. Learn
- Read stories about Veterans and the military
- What Children Can Learn About Service from Veterans
- Teach Your Children About the Importance of Veterans Day!
Visit a local Museum
U.S. Navy Seabee Museum - Free Admission and parking
The mission of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is to select, collect, preserve and display historic material relating to the history of the Naval Construction Force, better known as the Seabees, and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Check the calendar for special events and weekly activities and Storytime for kids
Open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday to Saturday | Closed Sunday and all Federal holidays | Corner of Ventura Road and Sunkist, access parking from Ventura Road
3201 N. Ventura Road, 3201 South Ventura Road, Naval Base Ventura County PH, Building 100, Port Hueneme, CA 93043 | Front Desk: (805) 982-5165
Battleship USS Iowa Museum - a naval history museum
Visit USS IOWA naval museum and experience a piece of living history. Explore one of the most powerful weapons of the past and experience naval history through fascinating permanent and temporary exhibitions, including a naval artifacts gallery and the Korean War-era HUP-2 helicopter. USS IOWA represents the largest — and last — class of battleships built by the United States Navy. The IOWA class battleships served in every US conflict from World War II through the Gulf War in 1991.
Open 10 am - 5 pm Daily | Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas | Online Tour & Museum Experience | Youth Overnight programs
250 S. Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles (San Pedro), CA 90731 | (877) 446-9261 or (310) 971-4462
The American Military Museum - also known as Tankland
Home to over 170 military vehicles and outdoor exhibits dating from 1933 to the present. Since 1962 we have been dedicated to preserving our nation’s military history. We recognize the immeasurable contributions of those in previous generations who have dedicated their lives to defend our nation. Our Museum is a tribute designed to honor our veterans and active military personnel.
2023 Veterans Day special: Free admission for veterans and their family
Open Veterans Day and Memorial Day
Public Visiting hours: Friday - Sunday from 10 am - 4:30 pm | Outdoor museum closed when it rains | Cash in exact change, credit / debit card or TAP / Apple pay only
1918 Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte, CA 91733 | (626) 442-1776
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
The museum features numerous exhibits including Honoring American Heroes, a replica of the Oval Office, interactive displays, and collaborative learning experiences like the Situation Room. Visit the the website for virtual exhibits and educational resources.
Open 10 am - 5 pm, Monday - Sunday | closed: Thanksgiving, December 2, 2023 + Christmas and New Year's Day
40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065 | (805) 410-8354
Not Local, but worth a Day-Trip
USS Midway Museum and aircraft carrier museum
The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942, Midway was built in only 17 months, but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on September 10, 1945. Midway was the first in a three-ship class of large carriers that featured an armored flight deck and a powerful air group of 120 planes - read more.
Open Monday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm - last admission 4 pm | Virtual Tour | Snooze Crewz overnight adventures
910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | (619) 544-9600
Publisher's note: The information provided above was sourced from their respective websites and is periodically updated. However, it is advisable to verify the details before your visit, as operating hours and closure dates may undergo changes.
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5. Write a thank you note or Draw a picture
Sit down with your child to make a card, write a letter or draw a picture for a veteran you know. Getting a card in the mail brightens everyone's day. Don't know a veteran? Drop cards off at your local VA Hospital, veterans home, Assisted living or Nursing Home.
You can also write letters to those currently serving.
For the Troops ~ Simi Valley will add your cards, letters and children's drawings to their care packages to those currently serving our country, they especially love cards, letters and drawings from kids. Here is more information and letter writing guidelines here. Consider also contributing items from their wish list or make a donation if you are able. They are an all-volunteer run, non-profit organization dedicated to providing members of the American military with “We Care” packages containing basic necessities, goodies, games and most of all, a show of support. If you want to donate other needed items including leftover Halloween candy here is their "wish list." Please know they are in need of and accept donations year round, including candy.
Team up with Operation Gratitude to write letters to those serving. Once registered, they will email you a letter-writing guide, printable coloring sheets for children, and instructions for shipping the letters to them for distribution. Also A Million Thanks, they collect and distribute millions of letters of thanks and support and send them directly to our active, reserve, and veteran military.
Looking for things to do with your children to honor our veterans? Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas local event and activity Calendar for the most current local activities in Thousand Oak, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Calabasas, Malibu and nearby in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
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Mary Monahan is the publisher of Macaroni KID Lincoln, Neb.
This previously published article has been updated by Brenna Gutell, Macaroni Kid Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas publisher
