101 Ways to Thank a Vet - MilitaryAvenue.com
Some creative ways to demonstrate your thankfulness towards our Veterans.
Coloring page for Veterans Day
Flag education (VFW)
We’re your one-stop shop for all things flag-related. From flag etiquette and history to a large stock of "Old Glory" itself available at the VFW Store. Look no further for all things red, white and blue!
National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest (Paralyzed Veterans of America)
This Veterans Day, children across the country can express their thanks to our nation’s millions of veterans by entering the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) ninth annual National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest.
This year’s contest theme is Show/Tell a Personal Story about a Veteran Who Has Made a Difference in Your Life or Hometown. Using their own words, images, and creativity, children can share a personal story about a veteran who has had an impact on their lives, neighborhood, and/or community. These stories need not be limited to military service and can also include veterans who have gone on to serve their communities as teachers, coaches, first responders, mentors, etc. Entrants should not depict a historical review of Veterans Day but focus more on the veteran and their personal story.
The competition is open to students in grades 1–8. The poster contest is open to students in grades 1–4, and the essay contest is open to students in grades 5–8.
To learn more about the Paralyzed Veterans of America National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest, view the links below. Entries must be received by September 28, 2012.
Origins of Veterans Day (Gettysburg Flag Works)
Explains the origins and history of Veterans Day.
Parade listing (VetFriends)
U.S. Veterans Day Parade Directory
Patriotic crafts (Kids Thank A Vet)
There are many patriotic crafts that are fun and easy to do. Here are some suggestions that can be done for special holidays or whenever you feel patriotic.
Poppy craft activities
There are many patriotic crafts that are fun and easy to do. Here are some suggestions that can be done for special holidays or whenever you feel patriotic.
Teacher resources - 2012 Veterans Day poster
Teacher resources - Classroom victory garden
The goal of The Classroom Victory Garden Project is to teach elementary students about the role of community in WWII through interdisciplinary curriculum designed to connect the past and the present. Millions of Americans grew Victory Gardens in their backyards - and on rooftops and in windowboxes - during WWII to supplement their wartime rations and help spur victory. That can-do spirit can offer your young students an age-appropriate entree into the lessons and history of WWII.
Teacher resources - Military.com article
Veterans Day is a great time to educate your children about the history of this holiday and the sacrifice and dedication of our U.S. veterans. So, how do you celebrate this holiday in a creative and constructive way with your children? -- How to Teach Kids About Veterans Day
Teacher resources - Operation Caring Classroom (Armed Forces Foundation)
The Operation Caring Classroom DVD program features active or former members of the armed forces speaking to children about their background and what Veterans Day means to them. Includes Teacher's Book and Activity Book to download.
Teacher resources - Social Studies for Kids - The United States at War
Learn more about the war and conflicts of the United States. (Does not include more recent conflicts.)
Teacher resources - Take a Veteran to School Day
Take a Veteran to School Day is a national program developed by HISTORY to link veterans with students. Schools and communities invite veterans of all backgrounds to share their stories and receive thanks for their years of service. Teachers, register your Take a Vet to School Day event today and we'll send you 30 free Take a Veteran to School Day wristbands while supplies last. Click here to register!
Launched in 2007, thousands of schools nationwide have participated in Take a Veteran to School Day. From single class visits to all-school assemblies, these events provide a way for students to learn more about the history of Veterans Day and about the experiences of veterans from all backgrounds and walks of life. Inviting veterans to share their stories connects generations while helping our young people learn about the past. View and download the resources on this site to get started organizing your event!
Teacher resources - Veterans Administration (VA Kids Teachers Page)
Resources about VA, veterans and patriotism.
Teacher resources - Veterans Administration (VA Kids K-5th Grade)
Kids Learning about VA - Topics include: About VA, cool facts about veterans, about the flag, games and activities, links.
Teacher resources - Veterans Administation (VA Kids 6-12th Grade)
Kids Learning about VA - Topics include: About VA, about veterans, about the flag, games, links, VA volunteer and scholarship information.
Teacher resources - Veterans History Project
Stories from the Veterans History Project, from World War I up to and including the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Teacher resources - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in the Classroom
The VFW strives to thank our nation’s educators year-round by arming them with helpful resources and visits to local classrooms. Loving America and all it stands for is what we do best. Let us help you educate our future leaders.
Teacher resources - Wreaths Across America resources
Along with recognizing the sacrifices of the past and present, Wreaths Across America™ counts educating our children as one of the chief missions of our campaign. Without that connection to the future, we will fail to remember that freedom isn't free.
Site includes middle school downloadable curriculum, Daisy Dog and the Parade of Purpose coloring book, Million Memories Project and the Red Hat Brigade.
Teacher resources - Kids Thank A Vet (activities, songs, clip art)
Classroom activities which coincide with the Students Thank a Veteran program can be adjusted to all grade levels. Many of these suggested activities can be done in a class period or extended throughout the school year.
Teacher resources - TeacherVision
TeacherVision's cross-curricular Veterans Day lessons, printables, and resources helps students understand the contributions veterans have made to the country. There are Veterans Day worksheets to honor heroes, facts about flags, pop-up art books to make, literature guides, patriotic songs, historical references, and many more fun and educational activities for your students of all grade levels.
Teacher resources - The Teacher's Corner
The Veteran's Day pages will provide you with great activities and lessons to help you and your students honor our country's heroes. Ideas within the Veteran's Day pages include: scavenger hunts, lesson plans, printable worksheets, and Internet resources.
Teacher resources - The Teacher's Guide
Veterans Day resources for the classroom.
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October, 2011 - Operation We Are Here received this e-mail from a teacher:
"I am a teacher at a high school on Long Island, New York. We would like to do something special for this coming Veterans Day. We were thinking of some kind of collection of items that we could send to the military overseas. Do you think this is a good idea? Or is there something better that you need for us to do? We would start it now, and them we plan on having a school assembly honoring our Veterans just before Veterans Day."
In response to her request, I asked OWAH Facebook members for their advice. Their response is listed below, and I think it provides excellent insight and direction for this teacher and others. The needs of our deployed military personnel are well-supplied by many non-profit organizations. However, there are many needs and opportunities for service to:
- home front families- wounded warriors and their families- loved ones of the fallen- veterans, especially the older generation who did not receive the support thatcompares to our current generation of veteransHere is what they said:
- If your school is near a VA Hospital, your students could visit veterans in the hospital. Visitors are always valued by hospitalized veterans.
- Oodles of people from corporations, to non-profits, to individuals organize untold numbers of efforts to send things to the troops. Consider instead finding families back home to help or bless with a cheer up. Maybe a home cookied meal, a restaurant gift certificate, babysitting, or painting/redecorating a room.
- If you ask service members how you can support them - 99% of the time they answer, "just take care of my family". I would suggest the children put together packages/letters of appreciation to the kids/spouses of deployed, wounded and surviving service members. Various organizations can assist in disseminating the packages
- I agree do something great for the veterans in the VA hospital, these guys never received the appreciation they deserve when they were off fight wars so many years ago, like our troops get now.
- As a spouse/family of a deployed soldier, I like the idea of doing something for the families. It would be nice to just know someone cares.
- Are you close to a military base? There are Family Readiness Groups (FRG's) that support the families while the soldiers are deployed. If you are not near a base, then contact your VFW or your local AmVet representative. These numbers are available online. You could also connect with a local news channel about what you want to do and send a "shout out" to military families that may live in your community. Thanks for wanting to help our military - God bless you!
- If close to a VA hospital or VA nursing home, go for a visit. Something to show appreciation for the warriors of our past, the Vets. Maybe a coffee and donuts reception somewhere.
- Have students who are connected in some way to the military write a short essay about that person (cousin, sibling, friend, grandparent) and then create a video collage of these essays to be shown at the Veterans Day assembly to help the "military" become more personal to those who have no connection.
- Remember, it's not just the neediness of the family members, but the loneliness. Our family often gets ignored because we are so self sufficient and can take care of most of our needs with the extra pay they get while away. It doesn't change the feelings of being alone...
Check out this tool from Operation: Military Kids:
- Iowa's Speak out for Military Kids youth created Deployment: It's Not a Game to increase awareness about the deployment cycle. As players move through the game, it serves as a tool to get them thinking and talking about the impact of deployment on military kids and families. Players are encouraged to identify issues military kids face during deployment, to reflect on how they might act in similar situations and to discuss how their school, community or organization might develop a plan to support military kids and families experiencing deployment.
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If you check your local library, you will quickly learn that there are countless books about Veterans Day. Rather than creating an exhaustive list, Operation We Are Here has chosen to list a few of our favorites. Other websites with book lists for Veterans Day include www.kidsthankavet.com and www.childrenslit.com.
Klinger: A Story of Honor and Hope
Author: Betsy Beard, Copyright @ 2010
This beautifully illustrated, full color, hardback children's book tells the story of a young horse dreaming of fame as a racehorse. But his life is disrupted when he must leave his parents and start a new life. Faced with difficulty and disappointment, Klinger’s dream of significance seems unattainable. He then discovers that fame is not necessary, as he finds fulfillment in honoring fallen heroes and bringing comfort to their families. Based on a real horse that serves in the Caisson Platoon in Arlington National Cemetery, this work of fiction was written for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors in honor of all of America's beloved fallen heroes.
Memorial Day/Veterans Day (Holidays for Children) - DVD
Grades K-4
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are special holidays in America that honor the people who have served in the U.S. armed forces and commemorate all the service men and women who have died to preserve our freedom. Join the kids at the community center as they discover the true meaning of these important days and learn about their history through songs, stories, crafts and interviews with veterans. A visit to Arlington National Cemetery and a local community parade show how people pay their respects and celebrate these holidays. Part of the Holidays for Children Video Series. A teacher's guide is included and is available online.
The Poppy Lady
Moina Belle Michael and her tribute to veterans
Author: Barbara Walsh, Copyright @ 2012
Ages 7 and up
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today. Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina’s great-nieces to better understand Moina’s determination to honor the war veterans.
A portion of the book’s proceeds will support the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the U.S. military.
Veterans Day (Our Nation's Pride)
Author: Amanda Doering Tourville, Copyright @ 2008
Ages 6 and up
Our Nation's Pride explores the buildings, celebrations, holidays, symbols, and icons that shape our national identity.
Veterans Day (American Celebrations)
Valuing the sacrifices of veterans
Author: Arlene Worsley, Copyright @ 2010
Ages 8 and up
Veterans Day is a time to honor the soldiers who have fought for the United States in war. From the first celebration after World War I to celebrations across the country today, Veterans Day provides an in-depth and informative overview of the holiday.
What Freedom Means to Me
A Flag Day story
Author: Heather French Henry, Copyright @ 2004
Claire and Robbie learn why we honor veterans on Veterans Day. Claire also learns responsibility after her neighbor rescues her puppy, Pepper.
What Is Veterans Day?
Author: Margot Parker, Copyright @ 1986
Ben explains to Amy why we celebrate Veterans Day each year.
Resources about Veterans and Veterans Day
Other helpful links:
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Scroll down the page for more information on:
101 Ways to Thank a Vet
Books about veterans
Church resources
Coloring page for Veterans Day
Flag education
National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest (Paralyzed Veterans of America)
Origins of Veterans Day
Parade listing
Patriotic crafts
Poppy craft activities
Teacher resources:
2012 Veterans Day poster
Classroom victory garden
Operation Caring Classroom
Veterans Administration
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Veterans History Project - veteran stories
Wreaths Across America
Additional resource websites
A teacher asks for advice about planning for Veterans Day (and the military community responds)
Children's books and videos about Veterans Day
Resources specific to
- Military supporters
Military community resources
- Christian encouragement
- Deployment support for
- Downloads and printables
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