Classroom Suggestions for Veteran's Day
Information and Activities for Explaining Veteran’s (Armistice) Day
Nov 4, 2009
The holiday known as Veteran’s Day is officially celebrated on November 11. Unfortunately it comes between Halloween and Thanksgiving, two holidays that get a lot more press and advertising opportunities. Veteran’s Day is usually celebrated with less hoopla and commercialism, so therefore, it doesn’t get the same amount of news coverage. What follows are some suggestions for teachers on how to make this holiday more meaningful for their students.
History of Veteran’s Day
World War I saw 35 countries involved in a five-year war that ran from 1914 to 1918. On November 11, 1918 the leaders signed an armistice, effectively ending the war.
- President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 to be a holiday marking the end of the war. The holiday was to be called Armistice Day.
- The actual signing occurred at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year. Traditionally, at eleven o’clock on this date everyone is to stop what they are doing and remain silent for one minute to remember the soldiers that have died in wars.
- The body of an unknown soldier was brought to the United States from a cemetery in France and buried in a tomb at Arlington National Cemetery. It was known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
History of Changes
At the time World War I was said to be the “war to end all wars.” Unfortunately that did not happen. Since the original Armistice Day several things have changed, broadening the scope of this national holiday.
- The United States has been involved in three more wars: World War II, Korean War, and the Vietnamese War.
- Armistice Day is now officially called Veteran’s Day.
- Three additional unknown soldiers have been added to what is now called the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Classroom Activities for Veteran’s Day
It doesn’t matter whether school is closed or not on Veteran’s Day (some private schools do not close). There are classroom activities that can be assigned the week of the holiday or on the day itself.
- Word Search Puzzle. The teacher can create a word search puzzle with Veteran’s Day associated words. Rather than the teacher choosing the words, students could choose the words to be used after a discussion of Veteran’s Day and what it means. Older students might want to try their hand at creating a crossword puzzle. There are inexpensive and free word search and crossword puzzle makers available on the Internet.
- Scavenger Hunt. Create a series of questions concerning Veteran’s Day. Questions may cover events during the various wars, soldiers’ uniforms, the affect various wars had on popular culture in song and entertainment, military medals and ribbons, etc. Students could go to the library or on the Internet to seek the answers.
- Invite a Veteran to Class. To really get students involved in Veteran’s Day, a teacher could ask a local veteran to come in and talk. Even more interest will be generated if that veteran is a relative of a student or the teacher. The veteran could be asked to wear his/her uniform (military protocol allows veterans to wear their old uniforms as long as they are worn and presented properly – medals, insignia, rank displayed according to proper military standards). Getting the point of view of the veteran can bring the whole military concept alive for students; especially if it is someone they know doing the talking. Check with a local veterans’ organization like the VFW or American Legion to see if they have any members willing to talk with students.
- Field Trip. If there is a military installation nearby, a teacher can talk to the proper authority on base to determine if any provisions for field trips are allowed. Visit a local veteran or military memorial statue or plaque and write or discuss its origin. Who or what is the subject of the statue? Why is this memorial located where it is?
Veteran’s Day has grown to represent a day when Americans can express their respect and thanks for the men and women that fought and died for our country, and for those men and women currently enlisted. Educators have the opportunity to make Veteran’s Day more than just “…that holiday between Halloween and Thanksgiving.”
For more information about educational materials and activities for Veteran's Day visit:
Teacher Vision: Veteran's Day Teacher Resources
The TeachersCorner: Veteran's Day
Additional Articles about Military History
Request to Replace Missing Military Medals
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