Holiday Profile of the Day… Veterans Day: We Honor Your Sacrifices

Nov 11

Family History and Celebrations, Profile of the Day

by Gerald Boerner

“The most persistent sound which reverberates through men’s history is the beating of war drums.”
— Arthur Koestler

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
— Cynthia Ozick

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.”
— Dick Cheney

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
— Elmer Davis

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
— Maya Angelou

“I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.”
— Gary Hart

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.”
— G.K. Chesterton

“But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye.”
— Thomas Dunn English

Veterans Day: We Honor Your Sacrifices

Note:
The following is a posting in the Military.com for Veterans Day, 2009. Instead of writing a new essay in honor of this special day that honors very special men and women who have served in the armed forces over the history of our country. We have highlighted the major conflicts (except for the two World Wars of the 20th century) over the past week. It is now time to think how we can pass on to our children the sense of gratitude that we feel for those who have served our country with such valor. Not all of these conflicts have been well supported, especially those of the past half century, but brave men and women served and died to preserve our freedom.

So, in this moment, take a look at the seven suggestions included in the following posting and help pass on to the next generation the sense of honor that these Veterans so dearly deserve…

Veterans Day is a great time to educate your children about the history of this holiday and the sacrifice and dedication of our U.S. veterans. So, how do you celebrate this holiday in a creative and constructive way with your children?

How to Teach Kids About Veterans Day

Here are a few ideas, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs and EducationWorld.com:

1. Teach your children about the history of Veterans Day by having them create a time line of events leading to the observance of the holiday.

2. Have your kids write short articles or essays of how veterans are honored around the world. And if you know any veterans locally, propose that your kids interview them about what it’s like to serve in the U.S. military.

3. Research how American veterans were treated after they returned from various military conflicts, ranging from the French and Indian War to the Persian Gulf War. Ask your children to compare and contrast their findings. Also compare and contrast how women and minorities who served in those conflicts were treated.

4. Have children draw a picture of Veterans Day, and what this holiday means to them. Military children can draw a picture of a parent who is currently deployed, or a relative who has served.

5. Make a thank you card for veterans. Children can give this card to veterans that they know or to veterans who are listed through the local VA medical facility.

6. Ask your children’s teacher to invite veterans to their classroom. Veterans can discuss what it’s like to serve in the military, and how important it is to observe this holiday.

7. Have your kids make a colorful and fun poster with the names and pictures of relatives who are veterans.

There are a variety of ways to celebrate Veterans Day with your children. And teaching children about the significance of this holiday will help give them a deep appreciation of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans.