4 Ways to Commemorate Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a special day set aside to honor and commemorate the sacrifice men and women have made, throughout the years, to fight for and defend our country. It’s simply a day to thank them for their sacrifice.

You, as a homeschooling family, have the opportunity to take part in honoring those soldiers and teach your kids about our country and what it means to be an American.

First though, let’s start with some history.

Go back about 100 years. On November 11, 1919, the eleventh day of the eleventh month during the eleventh hour, World War I officially ended. Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, was founded to honor the veterans who fought in WWI. It has since expanded to include all military veterans (and those currently serving) and stands as a special day where we can thank and honor them for serving our country so well.

Here are a few activities you can incorporate into your homeschool day to teach your kids about Veterans Day and everything it means.

1. Write a letter to a soldier
   Add a twist to your writing class by taking time to write a letter to a soldier who is currently serving in our armed forces. An organization called A Million Thanks lets you and your kids write letters that will actually get sent out to encourage one of the men or women serving in our armed forces today.

   Younger kids can draw them a picture. Older kids can write a well-organized letter to introduce themselves as well as thank the recipient for his or her service. Take it to a drop-off location and A Million Thanks will send it out to a soldier somewhere in the world! It’s a tangible way your kids can think imagine what it is to be in those soldiers’ shoes.

2. Learn how to fold a flag
   Did you know there is a certain way you’re supposed to fold an American flag? Do a little activity with your kids to learn how it works. You can use a real flag or practice with a sheet or blanket that’s about the same size.

   Did you also know there are rules and regulations behind flying and handling the flag? “Flag etiquette” includes not letting it touch the ground, always letting it fly free, and many more surprising guidelines you might not know about. Read more about them here!

3. Make an American flag snack!
   Every day needs snack time, so why not incorporate the theme of the day into it? Take graham crackers, marshmallow cream, strawberries, and blueberries, and put together a yummy American flag snack to munch on that fits together with day’s holiday. This mom tells you how.
4. Learn the components of the American flag
   Combine art and history class by giving your kids rulers, pencils, and crayons to color or make their own American flag. You can use a coloring sheet like this one, or have them draw their own.

   Did you know that the American flag has a lot of symbolic meaning? The 50 stars represent the 50 states and the 13 red and white stripes stand for the 13 original U.S. colonies. The colors mean special things, too. Blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice; white means purity and innocence; and red stands for hardiness and valor. This site provides even more facts that you and your kids can learn about our flag!

Veterans Day gives you the perfect opportunity to honor soldiers for their sacrifice to our country and teach your kids what it meant for those men and women to give a few years of their lives—some their entire lives—to defend the values our country holds.

How do you commemorate days like Veterans Day? Let us know in the comments!