What is Veterans Day?
We celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th every year. It is a special holiday held to honor soldiers who have fought in a war or are a part of the armed forces. On this day every year, we thank those who have served and protected us.
Veterans Day or Armistice Day?
In 1938, Armistice Day officially became a holiday. Our Veterans Day was first known and celebrated as Armistice Day. On this day we celebrated the soldiers who fought in WWI. It is said that although the Treaty of Versailles was signed in June of 1919, the fighting had already ended in November of 1918. November 11th was chosen as the day to celebrate those who fought in WWI.
In order to honor all of the soldiers who fought in wars since WWI, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day.
Many other countries also celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th. Some, however, call this day Remembrance Day.
Memorial Day vs Veterans Day
On Memorial Day, we remember all those who died and sacrificed so much for our country. On Veterans Day, we honor all the soldiers who have served our country–not just at war but every day.
How can we celebrate and honor those who served?
Veterans Day is celebrated in many different countries. Every November 11th at 2:11 EST a moment of silence is held. We hold this moment of silence in order to remember those we lost and honor those who served and are still living. You can also write letters to veterans thanking them for their service. An even easier way to honor them is to just say THANK YOU!
Women Veterans
According to History.com, in 1948 President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law. The act let women serve as full, permanent members of all of the branches of the military. Although they were allowed to serve they were still restricted in many ways!
It wasn’t until 1970 that women were finally allowed to take commanding roles and that was just in non-combat units. This year they were also allowed to start training with men. In 2013, women finally gained full status in the military and were considered equal to their male counterparts.
What are some good books and activities to do with my child on Veterans Day?
Books
Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood
F Is for Flag
The Poppy Lady
Activities
- Talk to your kids about veterans. Teach them about their uniforms and all the many jobs they do! Explain to them all the sacrifices veterans have made and continue to do to keep us and our freedoms safe.
- Printables for young children
- Attend a Veterans Day parade or watch one virtually
- Make thank you cards and letters
Special shoutout to all the women veterans I have had the privilege of meeting! These women are not just mothers, they are daughters, sisters, wives, they are SOLDIERS! I am so proud to know them!
