Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served

November 17, 2025

Why We Observe It

  • The day is meant to honor and thank all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces — not only those who died, but also those who served during war or peace. HISTORY+2Military.com+2
  • It serves as a way to recognize sacrifices, service, patriotism, and to reflect on the meaning of service to the nation. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+1
  • It is distinct from Memorial Day (which honors those who died while serving) — Veterans Day focuses more broadly on all who served. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs+1

How It’s Observed

  • Many communities hold parades, flag-raising ceremonies, moments of silence (often at 11 a.m.), and special programs in schools. Time and Date+1
  • Schools might invite veterans to speak, have students write thank-you letters, or engage in classroom discussions about service and citizenship.
  • Individuals can display the American flag, wear a poppy (more common for Remembrance Day/Armistice Day in other countries, but still used), and recognize veterans in their family or community.

Fun Facts

  • The date November 11 was chosen because the armistice ending major fighting in WWI took effect on that date in 1918. Time and Date+1
  • In 1954, the U.S. Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, after WWII and the Korean War, to honour all veterans. theworldwar.org+1
  • Although some federal holidays were moved to Mondays under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Veterans Day remains officially November 11, whatever day it falls on. Awareness Days+1

📝 Activity: What Can You Do to Honor Veterans?

Choose one (or more!) of the following ideas to complete and reflect on:

  1. Write a handwritten thank-you card to a veteran in your family, neighborhood or school community.
  2. Research a local veterans’ organization (or your state’s veterans’ affairs office) and find out how you or your school can support them (e.g., volunteering, donation drives).
  3. Attend or organize a flag ceremony at your school on November 11, and invite a veteran to share their story (or play a recorded oral history).
  4. Create a visual display (poster, bulletin board, digital slideshow) that highlights a branch of the armed forces, showing veterans’ stories, photos, and emphasizing “service” and “citizenship.”
  5. Reflect personally: Interview a veteran (or read a trusted interview) and write a short paragraph about what you learned about service, sacrifice, and the meaning of “thank you.”

Reflection Questions:

  • What surprised you in the story of the veteran you chose?
  • How did doing this activity change how you feel about Veterans Day or about service?
  • What will you remember and carry forward about this day?

🎥 Recommended YouTube Videos

Here are a few suggested videos (you’ll want to verify availability and suitability for your class):

  • Search YouTube for: “What is Veterans Day?” — you’ll find short, animated explanations that are student-friendly.
  • Search YouTube for: “Veterans Day speech by veteran” — personal stories make the holiday come alive.
  • Search YouTube for: “How to thank a veteran” — practical ideas and real-life examples.

(Parents: Be sure to preview any video before showing it in class to ensure it fits your students and your educational goals.)

❓ Multiple Choice Questions

Select the best answer for each.

  1. On what date is Veterans Day observed in the U.S.?
    A. December 11
    B. November 11
    C. Fourth Monday in October
    D. Last Monday in May
    Answer: B
  2. Veterans Day originally commemorated which historical event?
    A. End of the Korean War
    B. End of World War II
    C. Armistice ending major fighting in World War I
    D. Declaration of Independence
    Answer: C
  3. What is the primary difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
    A. Veterans Day honours current servicemembers, Memorial Day honours veterans
    B. Veterans Day honours only those who served in peacetime, Memorial Day only wartime
    C. Veterans Day honours all who served, Memorial Day honours those who died in service
    D. There is no difference—they are the same holiday
    Answer: C
  4. Which of the following is a meaningful way students can observe Veterans Day?
    A. Write a thank-you card to a veteran
    B. Hold a parade for pets only
    C. Ignore the holiday because it only applies to adults
    D. Skip school and rest all day
    Answer: A
  5. When was the name “Veterans Day” officially adopted (in the United States)?
    A. 1918
    B. 1938
    C. 1954
    D. 1971
    Answer: C

✏️ Final Thought

Veterans Day gives us the chance not only to say “Thank you” but also to reflect on what service means, how it shapes our nation, and how we can show respect and gratitude. This year, consider how you can honour a veteran — through words, actions, or simply listening and learning.

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