Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11 every year, pays tribute to the men and women who have served in the American military. For families who have a retired or active service member, Veterans Day can have a special importance. For young children, however, Veterans Day may seem like little more than a holiday; if your children are under four, they will know very little about the day and the contributions each veteran made to the defense of the nation. This is the ideal day to teach children about the Veterans Day 2024 History and the reasons why every veteran should have a special day.
Veterans Day 2024
As a national holiday honoring all veterans of the armed forces, Veterans Day, which occurs on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, has changed from being a celebration of that war. Veterans Day 2024 will fall on Monday, November 11. Veterans Day was first celebrated on November 11th, but in 1971, as part of an effort to provide more three-day weekends, it was shifted to the fourth Monday in October. However, following public outrage that highlighted the historical anniversary’s significance, the date was changed back to November 11 in 1978.
What is Veterans Day?
It is a holiday honoring veterans of US military and their sacrifices to country, so following initiatives by several veterans’ organizations, the holiday was renamed in 1954 from Armistice Day. Veterans Day falls on the same day as other nations commemorate the signing of an armistice with Germany, which brought World War I to a close.
Veterans Day: History & Timeline
- Initially started as a national holiday to commemorate the end of World War I, which officially ended on November 11, 1918, it was once known as Armistice Day. The day was designated as “Armistice Day,” a legal holiday to honor international War I veterans, and the 1938 legislation devoted it to the cause of international peace.
- The 1938 Act was amended by the 83rd U.S. Congress in 1954, following the Korean and World Wars, by inserting the word “Veterans” in place of “Armistice.” Since June 1, 1954, when the legislation was adopted, November 11th has been observed as a day to honor and commemorate veterans of all conflicts.
- In addition to helping to maintain the significance of the day, the restoration of its observance will help draw attention to its primary goal, which is to honor American veterans for their devotion to their country, sense of patriotism, and readiness to make sacrifices and serve the public interest.
Veterans Day Traditions
Every Veterans Day, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier hosts an official wreath-laying ceremony in USA. States all throughout the nation also celebrate with parades and other events. Despite the widespread misconception, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day.
While Memorial Day, observed on the fourth Monday in May, honors American service members who lost their lives while serving their country or as a result of injuries sustained in combat, Veterans Day honors all American veterans, living or deceased, but particularly thanks those who served their country with honor during times of war or peace.
How to Celebrate Veterans Day 2024
Veterans Day can be celebrated in plenty of ways, and these can offer the ideal chance to teach your kids about the significance of the holiday and its origins. This Veterans Day, you can engage your family in the following ways:
- Say Thank you to military member: Thank you is all you need to say when you see a veteran or if you know one personally. Discuss with your kids why we should honor veterans’ service. Although it could appear to be a small gesture of appreciation, it will undoubtedly have a big impact.
- Give them greeting cards: To show your appreciation, you and your kids might send them cards, care packages, and other small gifts. To learn more about how to help veterans in your town, you and your kids may even get in touch with a nearby group.
- Make a donation: The nation’s veterans are supported by countless charities, all of which depend on donations. Together with your kids, you might come up with ideas for a fundraiser in the weeks before Veterans Day to raise money for a charity. Many organizations across the nation are in need of your assistance; you can check which ones receive less funding.
- Enjoy Veterans Day Poem or Song: Many Veterans Day poetry and songs are available online or at a local bookstore, and you can teach your kids these things. You may even urge your kids to illustrate a picture that corresponds with the song or poem you are studying together. For kids in kindergarten, this is a really entertaining Veterans Day activity.
- Attend the Parade or Ceremony: Veterans Day parades and ceremonies are organized in many communities and schools to honor the nation’s veterans. To find out which ones you can bring your kids to, you could browse at the calendars of your area. If there are no local events, your kids could even make a make-believe march. You can build a really simple military Veterans Day craft with your kids as part of your Veterans Day activities. These are well-liked Veterans Day celebrations.
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Niamh Prescott has a degree in Mass Communication and an MBA in Finance. She has worked for two media houses and is now running her own media company.