Veterans' Day

Veterans' Day is an important holiday in the United States. In 1789 a law was passed to give money to soldiers who fought in the American Revolutionary War. In 1960, President Hoover signed a bill creating the Veterans Administration (VA).

Here are some ways to celebrate and learn about Veterans Day:

• Have your child create a time line of events leading to the observance of the holiday.
• If you know any veterans locally, suggest that your kids interview them about what it's like to serve in the U.S. military.
• Research how American veterans were treated after they returned from various military conflicts, ranging from the French and Indian War to the Persian Gulf War. Ask your children to compare and contrast their findings. Also compare and contrast how women and minorities who served in those conflicts were treated.
• Make thank you cards for veterans and mail or deliver them to the nearest VA hospital.
• Draw and illustrate a picture or make a poster of Veterans Day, and what this holiday means. If you have family member currently deployed, have our child draw a picture of that family member serving our country.