VETERANS DAY
History of Veterans Day
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Learn more from Veterans Affairs:
Learn more from the History channel.
Honoring Our Heroes - Veterans Day Activity
Begin by discussing the significance of Veterans Day and the importance of honoring and expressing gratitude to those who have served in the military. Share some basic facts about Veterans Day.
Have students write letters or create cards for veterans. They can express gratitude, share a personal story, or simply thank them for their service.
The list below includes organizations that will help you deliver the letters.
America's Adopt a Soldier
http://www.americasadoptasoldier.org/
Our goals are to ensure that every deployed service member and veteran in a Veteran’s home or hospital receives a care package or care letter. Annual year-round support and the Challenge America Campaign (July and November--national packing events) help to support these goals.
Please join us on Veterans Day as we thank our veterans who are in a Veterans Home or Veterans Hospital and our deployed service members for their service and sacrifices. Today we have over 57,000 veterans in VA homes and hospitals; we need your help to accomplish this.
Please send your cards and letters thanking our veterans. A pack of crayons and copy paper is just perfect to draw or write a note of thanks and encouragement.
A Million Thanks
A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show our appreciation to our U.S. military men and women, past and present for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, and prayers.
Daughters of the American Revolution
https://www.dar.org/national-society/military-support-service-veterans
DAR members are passionate about supporting our active-duty military and veterans and they do so in a variety of ways.
Thank You Cards for Our Veterans: DAR members distribute thank you cards to veterans during visits to VA facilities, shelters, and state facilities. Veterans displaying veteran stickers on their cars or wearing caps noting their service are thanked as well. DAR members find any occasion to thank our veterans for the tremendous sacrifice they have made for our freedom.
Military Holiday Card Challenge - Cards2Connect
https://militaryholidaycardchallenge.com/
https://militaryholidaycardchallenge.com/cards2connect/
By writing notes and cards to our veterans who have been isolated during the pandemic, our veterans in hospitals, assisted living and nursing home communities will be reminded of our care and appreciation for their service. The program was successful in sending hundreds of cards to veterans in N.H. Communities. Please contact us for assistance in setting up a Cards2Connect program in your state!
Operation Gratitude
https://www.operationgratitude.com/virtual-volunteerism/
America owes our military veterans an eternal debt of gratitude. Now is your chance to thank those courageous veterans who served our nation in past military conflicts. Includes a letter-writing guide for teachers and students.
Soldiers' Angels
https://soldiersangels.org/programs/family-support/cards-plus-team/
The Cards Plus Team is dedicated to supporting deployed service members, veterans, and their families with encouraging or celebratory cards and notes. The Cards Plus Team also joins forces with many other Soldiers' Angels Teams to provide cards for service members, Post 9/11 wounded veterans, caregivers and military families supported by these programs. Cards of support sent by the Team include, but are not limited to: