How to Make Veterans Day Come Alive for Children
Veteran Speaker Can Give Kids New Perspective on Military Life
Oct 27, 2009
Veterans Day provides an opportunity for kids to learn about the role of United States veterans and to give them the opportunity to thank and honor those who have served the country during times of war or when the nation has been at peace. Having a veteran to speak to the class can provide an unparalleled learning experience about military life.
How to Find a Veteran to Speak for Veterans Day
According to the Veterans Day 2009 Teacher Resource Guide on the United States Department of Veterans Affairs web site, nearly 24 million veterans live around the nation. Some ideas for finding a veteran speaker include:
- A relative or friend of a child in class
- A relative or friend of a staff or faculty member
- A local military service organization, such as a local branch of The American Legion
How to Prepare for a Veteran to Speak to a Class
When asking a veteran to speak, it is helpful to:
- Provide enough time for the veteran to adequately prepare.
- Give information regarding the ages and number of children to which he or she will speak.
- Provide a time frame, directions to the school, and contact information.
- Offer resources such as an LCD projector, microphone, lectern, etc. and ensure that the resources are in working order before the speaking engagement.
- Ask about any special accommodations that the veteran may need. For example, a veteran who is in a wheelchair would need to speak in an area that is wheelchair accessible.
- Give the veteran a brief list of information that the students have been taught about Veterans Day.
Teachers may wish to teach about the history of Veterans Day, the American flag and how it has evolved and how to properly display it, the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic symbols and songs, information regarding the different branches of the military, a brief description of the major wars and conflicts in American history, codes used in military communication, such as those used by the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II, etc. Readers may wish to view a Teacher Resouce Guide Veterans Day 2009 that includes much of the above information as well as activities such as a play and coloring pages.
Ideas for Discussion Topics on Veterans Day
A veteran speaker may ask for suggestions regarding what type of information to cover for a particular group of children. Below are a few suggestions from which to choose, depending on the age of the children, resources available, and time allotted:
- Why did you decide to join the military?
- In what branch of the military did you serve?
- When, how long, and where did you serve?
- What was military training like?
- Describe a typical day and your role while serving in the military.
- Tell the class about some times during your service that particularly stand out for you.
- How did you keep in touch with family and friends back home?
- If serving during war or a conflict, how were you treated when you returned home?
- How can people who are not in the military support veterans?
- Describe the importance of respect for authority within the military.
- Give some advice for any children who plan to join the military.
Suggestions for Props or Demonstrations for Veterans Day
Children often learn more when they use multiple senses. A teacher might suggest for a veteran speaker to consider bringing in items for a class to see and perhaps even pass around and touch, depending on school policy. Examples of items include:
- A uniform – perhaps adding information regarding the various insignia or ranks or a demonstration on how to shine shoes, etc.
- “Dog” tags
- American flag – perhaps adding a demonstration on how to properly display and fold it
- A packaged MRE (meal, ready-to-eat) or a description of food while in the field
- Pictures or videos
- Items from other countries to which he has traveled in the military
- How to properly stand at attention, salute, move within formation, etc. and when to do so
- Demonstration on how to march and commands used in her branch of service
- Military code words or lingo
- Map and compass and age-appropriate navigation skills information
- Music related to the veteran’s service branch
How Children Can Honor a Veteran’s Day Speaker
Kids can honor a speaker for Veteran’s Day by:
- Learning about military history and how to respect American symbols
- Verbalizing what they have learned about Veteran’s Day to others
- Being respectful while the speaker is talking
- Writing a thank-you note to be sent to the speaker
- Passing on information learned to others
How to Extend a Veteran’s Day Program into a Service Project
Ideas for service projects that can honor veterans include:
- The class may wish to honor area veterans by writing a personal note of appreciation. Younger children who cannot write may wish to draw pictures instead.
- Classes may wish to “adopt” someone on military active duty by sending regular correspondence and needed items in care packages throughout the school year.
- Classes may wish to “adopt” the family of someone on military active duty by supporting them throughout the school year.
- Music classes may wish to honor veterans with patriotic songs.
- Classes that are learning about carpentry or other skilled trades may wish to provide service projects to veterans who have special needs, such as a ramp.
- Journalism, history, and other classes may interview veterans and later compile and preserve those memories in various types of media.
A Veteran Can Make Veterans Day a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience for Children
Books and videos can educate children about America’s rich military heritage, but seeing and hearing a veteran in person can help children to realize the human aspect and amazing sacrifice these men and women have given to their country. Many veterans would readily serve their country today, despite wounds or age that would prevent them from serving. By inviting a veteran to speak and educate children about Veterans Day, those veterans can continue to serve by passing on a perspective that can instill a deeper respect for our military and the sacrifices made for America’s freedom.
Readers may also wish to read Veterans Day – Basic Facts and Information.
Note: The author is the proud daughter of a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served in the U.S. Navy for five years who seeks to honor America’s veterans.
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