How a Homeschool Mom: Is Honoring Veterans Day

As a homeschool family, we try to learn about, celebrate, and observe any and all holidays. Whether it be National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, Valentine’s Day, or Veterans Day, we take a few moments to learn of each holiday’s history and find a few fun ways to incorporate these occasions into our day.

What is Veterans Day and when is it observed?

Veterans Day is a day set aside for our country to honor those who have served in the united states armed forces. 

This holiday began as a day to honor the heroism of those who died while serving our country. it was originally called Armistice Day, which occured on November 11th because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the name was updated to “Veterans Day” to honor all veterans in all wars.

Here are five easy and free ways our family will be learning about and honoring Veterans Day:

1. We’ll start by learning a bit about the history of Veterans Day by checking out a few of these resources:
   • Veterans Day Lesson Plans and Resources – Scholastic
   • Veterans Day Activities and Mini Units – Teachers Pay Teachers
   • Veterans Day History and Veteran Testimonials – The History Channel
2. Next, we’ll watch a short video or two. Here are links to a few good ones:
   • Veterans Day Facts For Kids Video
   • Veterans Day – Kid History Video
   • Veterans Day Video – PBS Kids
3. Take a virtual tour of war memorials:
   • Follow this link to visit memorials including the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.
4. We’ll find a way to directly honor a Veteran by:
   • Making a phone call – call a veteran to thank them and ask if they would mind sharing their story as a Veteran. If you don’t know a Veteran, ask friends or family members if they know someone who wouldn’t mind a phone call.
   • Writing a letter or coordinating a care package with Operation Gratitude or A Million Thanks
   • Supporting our soldiers by volunteering, making a monetary donation, or sending a care package. You can learn more about getting involved with these organizations
     • Solider’s Angels 
     • Wounded Warrior Project
5. Use our creativity to make a craft or project. Here are a few ideas:
   • Print, color, and learn with this Military Easy Reader
   • Visit and read the ‘Kids Thank a Veteran‘ website, to find the answers to complete this virtual scavenger hunt 
   • Complete a word search
   • Use this packet and writing prompts to record what we learned and practice your handwriting

How is your family honoring Veterans Day?
Please comment below!

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