Teaching Kids About Veterans Day: A Guide to Honoring Our Heroes

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day, observed every November 11, is a holiday that honors all U.S. military veterans. While Memorial Day remembers those who have died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all who have served, whether in times of war or peace. This day gives us an opportunity to say thank you to the real-life heroes who have helped keep our country safe.

Why Gratitude and Respect Matter

For young children, understanding why we honor veterans starts with learning about qualities like bravery, dedication, and service. By teaching kids about Veterans Day, we help them develop a sense of gratitude for those who protect our freedom. This can be as simple as saying “thank you” to veterans they might know or writing cards to show appreciation.

Creating this connection between children and veterans helps instill respect, empathy, and kindness toward others—qualities that can benefit them for a lifetime.

Ways to Celebrate and Learn About Veterans Day

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

- Write Letters or Make Cards: Kids can express their gratitude by making a card or writing a letter to a veteran. If there’s a local veterans’ hospital or community center, you may be able to send these tokens of appreciation to veterans in your area.

- Participate in a Parade or Ceremony: Many towns hold parades and ceremonies for Veterans Day. Attending these events gives children a chance to see the impact veterans have in their communities and shows them how the holiday is celebrated.

- Learn About the Military Branches: The U.S. military has six branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Space Force. Each has a unique role, and learning about them can be a fun way for kids to understand the different ways veterans serve.

- Craft Activities and Books: Crafting can be a hands-on way to connect with Veterans Day. Kids can make flags, create patriotic art, or read age-appropriate books about veterans and their stories. These activities help bring the holiday’s meaning to life in a way that’s engaging for young learners.

Key Values to Discuss

When talking to kids about Veterans Day, use this time to discuss key values such as:

- Bravery: Veterans often serve in challenging and dangerous situations. Talking about bravery can help children understand that being brave means doing something important even when it’s difficult.

- Service: Veterans make sacrifices to protect and serve, sometimes spending long periods away from home. Explain how service is an act of caring for others and the country.

- Gratitude: Emphasize the importance of saying “thank you” and showing appreciation to those who make sacrifices for others. This is a value they can carry into other parts of their lives as well.

A Special Resource for Learning

To help bring Veterans Day to life for children, I am excited to share the videos that explains the holiday in a way that’s accessible and engaging. As usual, I have made the video is available in multiple languages, making it perfect for bilingual families or anyone learning a new language. At the end of the video you can see the free printable resource that you can download in any of the Free Resources Language Libraries that includes activities and key points about Veterans Day, ideal for continuing the learning at home or in the classroom.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who wants to share the importance of Veterans Day, I hope this video and printable help make the day meaningful for you and the children in your life.

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Check out the video and download the printable to get started on a meaningful Veterans Day journey!