Happy Veterans Day:
Having Our Kids Respect the Veterans in Our Community.
As Veterans Day approaches, and as a child of a Veteran, I encourage you to start conversations with other parents about why Veterans Day is important and how we can encourage our children to honor the soldiers and sailors who have served. (My dad was a sailor) On Veterans Day, which falls on 11 November each year, all living and deceased US military veterans are celebrated. The holiday is named after Armistice Day, the day of the close of the First World War in 1918. Over time, it’s expanded to commemorate veterans of all wars and peacetime. Knowing Veterans Day's history also helps teach our children respect for those who have given their lives for our liberties. Family or neighborhood veterans can personalize this history and relate it to your child.
Some suggestions for how your family can show respect for veterans and teach your kids the value of it here are a few ways to consider on Veterans Day:
1. Go to Local Celebrations- Most towns or cities have a Veterans Day parade or ceremony. These events show kids the value of local support for veterans and give kids a chance to see how much public appreciation for those who have served. (See our local events)
2. Make Thank-You Cards- Invite your children to create handwritten thank you cards. You can drop these to local veteran organizations or give them away at the veterans’ home. This small gesture of kindness can mean the world to soldiers.
3. Trust Your Veterans- Do some research and tell them about veterans, past and present. Discuss their contributions and sacrifices. You can even ask a veteran to speak to your family.
4. Volunteer- Volunteering for veterans' projects can also be a good way to thank them. Identify local veterans’ charities and see what your family can do.
5. Meet at a Veterans Memorial- If there is a Veterans Memorial nearby, make sure to stop by. If you can teach children the significance of these monuments and the names they have inscribed, they will know more about the sacrifice.
6. Moment of Silence- On Veterans Day, (11/11) a moment of silence at 11 a.m. can be a time for quiet contemplation and gratitude. Ask your children why this is a special time. (11,11,11)
7. Teach the Pledge of Allegiance- Rehearse the Pledge of allegiance together and talk about its purpose and purpose. That can make kids appreciate the liberty that veterans have worked to secure. (It used to be a given.)
By adding these activities to your family Veterans Day celebration, you are creating a lifetime of veterans-respect and appreciation. By paying tribute to those who have sacrificed, let’s also make the next generation feel that they have earned this same critical respect and gratitude.
Remember to thank a Veteran and teach your kids to do the same. I ingrained in my kids to show respect for those who served, like my dad! Many of them wear baseball hats with signifying patches like the ones below.
