How do you explain Veterans Day to kids? There are a few ways to explain Veterans Day to kids that we’ll be talking about here today.
Veterans Day is one of those holidays where kids get time off school, banks, and Post Offices are closed, but other than a parade for members of the military, it might not be entirely clear what we’re “celebrating.”
As a veteran myself, having just retired from the US Army, what better way is there to refresh our own memories than by trying to teach our children? Kids learn by doing, so in addition to explaining the significance of the day, why not create memories so that they understand and remember the day throughout their lives?
Here are 13 ways to explain Veteran’s Day to children, but first, here’s a little historical context for you.
Read Also: Difference between Memorial and Veterans Day
November 11, 1918, is considered the last day of World War I. Congress declared that the day should be a recurring anniversary to be “commemorated with thanksgiving, prayer, and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations.” It became a legal holiday in 1938. Knowing this, we can teach our children using the themes of gratitude toward all who have served and who continue to serve, as well as diplomacy so that wars of this magnitude can be a thing of the past.
You can celebrate in any (or all) of these ways:
- Wear a red poppy or yellow ribbon to show support to service members past and present.
- Box up and donate old cell phones to soldiers overseas. Find more information here.
- Visit a veterans’ hospital. Listen to stories from their travels.
- Speak with your child’s teacher about developing a Veterans Day lesson plan. This may include a “show and tell” visit from military members.
- Make a care package to send to soldiers stationed overseas. You can even organize a party to do so! Contact Blue Star Mothers or Operation Gratitude for information on how to do it.
- Contact your local VA for information on events happening in your community. Oftentimes, a parade will be held.
- Do a Google search for “military museum” and see what comes up in your area. This subject matter can be boring to little ones, so if you take them, let them explore what’s interesting to them, instead of forcing them to see every exhibit in a specific order or for a particular amount of time. It has to be fun to have an impact on them.
- Better yet, plan a trip to Washington D.C. to tour the White House and any of its countless museums, many of which are free.
- Are there any veterans in your own family? Scroll through your Facebook account and help your child make thank you cards for everyone who fits the bill.
- Volunteer with veterans. Find out how here.
- Teach your child to say, “Thank you,” when he or she sees a person in a uniform. If you see someone in uniform while you’re out with your child, you can set an example by saying it yourself, buying their coffee while in line at Starbucks, etc.
- Support local, veteran-owned businesses. Find them in your area here.
- Explain the United Nations to kids. If you need help, click here (Hint: it’s not as difficult as you think, and it’ll encourage them to collaborate with their peers to solve problems.)
Read Also: Ways to Support Veterans
In Conclusion
Teaching our children about Veterans Day can be a way to honor those who have served while also educating the next generation on ways to prevent future wars. It’s a day to remember the fallen and celebrate the living, so let’s make sure our kids know why we celebrate it and how they can get involved. You never know, maybe one of them will grow up to be a veteran themselves one day!
* Photos were taken at the Fort Carson US Army Base, Colorado
