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Veterens Day
Veterans Day is an
American holiday honoring military
veterans.
Veterans Day originally was held every November 11th,
and though it typically falls on this day, officially
the holiday is now observed on the weekday that falls
closest to November 11th every year
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On November 11th, Americans celebrate Veterans Day also known as Armistice Day.
In addition London, France, Canada, and the U.S. also call it Poppy Day.
Remembrance Day is also observed in the aforementioned countries as well as
Australia, however, on the Australian calendar it is known as Anzac Day. Are
they all the same? Yes, they are. It is a solemn day in which everyone worldwide
honors the veterans who fought in all wars. It is also the day which marked the
end of World War I.
President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice
Day. It was a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, however in 1954,
after World War II had caused an untold number of American casualties; veteran
organizations asked that a day be set aside to honor all military men and women
who fought in all wars. Thus, in 1938, Armistice was replaced with Veterans, and
in June of 1954, November 11th officially became the day in which all veterans
would be honored – Veteran’s Day.
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Remembrance Day is commemorated in Great Britain and
other countries mentioned above by two minutes of
silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th
month each year. There are ceremonies held at War
memorials, similar to U.S. commemorations at the many
memorial sites around the country. Remembrance Day was
created in 1919 by King George V.
Research records indicate that Poppy Day originated
during the Napoleonic wars, when a writer named John
McCrae wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.” As he
visited the grave of his friend, he noticed that poppies
were growing near the grave. The poppy became the symbol
of remembrance. Originally, a French woman conceived the
idea of having veterans organizations sell fake poppies
to benefit the families of those who died. This
tradition began in 1922 and is still celebrated today.
Red poppies are worn to honor those who fought and died
in all previous wars.
In every free country across the globe, Veterans are
honored according to the traditions and cultures
associated with this special day. Whether it is wearing
red poppies, visiting memorials, or marching in parades,
it is this day that is entirely devoted to our veterans
and soldiers who have died in wars past.
Considering the ongoing conflict around the world today,
Veterans Day is a particularly solemn one and everyone
who loves freedom participates in some small way to show
our soldiers around the world that we are praying for
them and support them fully.
In addition, to those who bravely fought in World War I,
II, Korean War, and Vietnam – it is equally important
that we show our appreciation to those who survived as
well as to the families of those who lost their lives,
so that we can continue to enjoy the freedom we have
today.
Teach Your Children the Meaning of Veterans Day
In every country around the world, November 11th is the
day everyone honors all men and women who have fought in
World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.
In addition, we also honor those who are still fighting
in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all around the world.
To teach your children the meaning of Veterans Day, you
can either read from a book or let them hear first hand
what it was like for those who fought for our freedom.
You may want to visit a Veterans hospital and bring
along some cookies or cake. Undoubtedly your city or
town will have a parade which the entire family can
attend.
In London and other parts of the world, for example, on
the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,
everyone pauses for two minutes to remember loved ones,
family, and friends who died in these wars. It is a
fitting tribute. In addition, you can tell the story of
how Poppy Day was first implemented by going to the
library and taking out a book on the subject. It is a
fascinating story.
You may also want to teach your children the different
holidays that are attributed to our fallen heroes. While
America celebrates Veterans Day, it is also known as
Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, Anzac, and of course,
Poppy Day. Perhaps you can sit with them at the computer
and print out all of the information about this special
day.
While children can read books or learn this history
lesson at school, it is in talking with someone who
survived any of the wars that children will come to
understand the significance of Veterans Day and why it
is so special. Perhaps a grandparent or close relative
fought in a war and can tell his or her story to your
children.
It is also important to let the children know that even
though there are parades, it doesn’t mean it is a
celebration but more of an annual “thank you” to all who
served in the armed forces. You may also want to tell
your kids about the teen who decided to go to car
dealerships and ask if she could place a box in which
letters to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan could be
placed. Millions of letters were sent to our troops all
because one person made a difference.
Everyone who ever fought and died for freedom
contributed to the liberties we enjoy today. Children
need to know that no matter how anyone feels about war,
men and women in each of the armed forces place their
lives in jeopardy every day so that we can remain safe
and free.
Additional Resources
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