My kids were taught at an early age to respect and show gratitude to our Veterans. They have been known to approach Veterans, shake their hand, and thank them for their service. My husband and I believe that it's important for Veterans to be reminded that we are grateful for their service and sacrifices, and we want our kids recognize the importance of making sure Veterans know that we appreciate them.
🇺🇸 Veterans Day Facts
- Veterans Day is one of ten holidays proclaimed by the Federal Government each year.
- The traditional date is November 11th, but the official date is the second Monday in November.
- Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably (in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) - in wartime and in peace.
- It's not to be confused with Memorial Day (celebrated in May), which honors those who died in service.
- 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 the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918). The day became a federal holiday in 1938.
- Great Britain, France, and other countries celebrate November 11th as Armistice Day. Canada celebrates Remembrance Day on this same date.
- 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.
- In 1954, Congress changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all United States Veterans, both the living and the dead, who served at any time.
- California, Texas, and Florida boast the most Veterans living in their state.
- Not every Veteran fought in a war. Many served in Peacetime, doing things such as protecting US embassies, providing natural disaster relief, and delivering medical supplies to impoverished countries.
- 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.
🇺🇸 Looking for a family activity for Veterans Day?
- Write a thank-you letter to a veteran or current member of the armed forces or create a care package to send overseas. These could be for a family member, a friend or someone you’ve never met.
- Pay for a Veteran’s meal or coffee.
- Thank a Veteran in person for their service to our country.
- Organizations like A Million Thanks and Operation Gratitude make it easy to send letters and care packages to men and women in the military.
- Find even more ideas in our article, 4 Ways that Families Can Thank Veterans in Denver (and from Home!).
It's not too hard to find simple, hands-on ways to make Veterans Day meaningful for kids of all ages. And it really does mean so much to our Veterans.
➡️ Know a Veteran? Share this year's Veterans Day discounts and free offers with them!
