America will celebrate our country’s veterans next Friday, November 11, 2022. It’s a time to honor the men and women who upheld their duty to protect the lives and safety of all American citizens, often with personal sacrifice and through many hardships. And although we should appreciate the service of U.S. military personnel every day of the year, it’s nice to have a day totally devoted to commemorating these brave Americans, both living and deceased.

America’s Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, and it was first observed on November 11, 1919, one year to the day when World War I ended—“at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” It was still a time of great sadness and heartache for many around the world, as more than ten million soldiers lost their lives during the four years of the Great War, as it was called then, and families, friends, and government officials wanted to honor and remember those who had served.

As President Woodrow stated, “To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”

In these uncertain times filled with political turmoil, it’s so important to teach our children and grandchildren to appreciate and honor the men and women who have served our great country. We are still a nation that is blessed to pray and worship freely and serve our Lord and Savior, and we can thank our veterans for helping to protect that right and privilege.

Below is a great poem to read with our little ones to help instill in them a sense of pride and appreciation for our veterans.

Take A Moment To Thank A Veteran

When you see someone in a uniform,
Someone who serves us all,
Doing military duty,
Answering their country’s call,

Take a moment to thank them
For protecting what you hold dear;
Tell them you are proud of them;
Make it very clear.

Just tap them on the shoulder,
Give a smile, and say,
“Thanks for what you’re doing
To keep us safe in the USA!”

– Joanna Fuchs

There are also other poems and books you can read to learn more about Veterans Day, and The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara E. Walsh and Layne Johnson is a great place to start.

Moreover, in addition to verbally thanking our veterans, there are other ways we can express our appreciation. Does your town or county host a Veterans Day parade? Grab your family and American flags and go show your support! Perhaps your family can create and mail thank you cards to servicemen or bake some sweet treats to share with your favorite hometown veterans. There are hundreds of easy ideas for cookies, candy, or desserts you can find in cookbooks or online. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be appreciated.

So, gather your littles around you to talk about Veterans Day and what it means to us. Read poetry and books, attend a parade, or bake some tasty treats to share. But most of all, be sure to thank a veteran for his/her service. This small act of kindness will mean so much!

Blessings,

Amy

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