1. Veterans Day
11 November 2016

2. A History of Veterans Day
Veteran = a person who has served in a military force; especially one who has served in a war
Veterans Day = a national holiday, occurring yearly on November 11th, to give thanks and to honor all of the men and women who have served in our nation’s military– both in wartime and peacetime

3. What’s the difference between Veterans Day (in November) and Memorial Day (in May)?
Both holidays recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces
Memorial Day (in May) is a time to honor especially those who died serving the country, while Veterans Day (in November) is a time to honor ALL of those who have served, not just those who sacrificed their lives in military service

4. Before it was known as Veterans Day, it was known as Armistice Day
This is due to the fact that the holiday originally served as a remembrance for the end of the Great War, later known as World War I
The armistice, or cease-fire, for that war had been signed at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, in (11 am on 11/11/1918)
In 1954, the U.S. Government changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day as a way to pay tribute to all of our nation’s vets, not just those of World War I
In some places in the world, Veterans Day is now known as Remembrance Day

5. The Poppy
The poppy has been used world-wide to commemorate soldiers’ service since the 1920s
To this day, American Veterans organizations use poppies to remember our nation’s service men and women on Veterans Day, and especially those who died in service to our country, on Memorial Day

6. You may remember or know that two years ago we created a school-wide art installation of remembrance poppies
Then, the poppies were composted and real poppy flowers were planted around the flagpole in the front of the school

7. This year, each grade level will be completing one of three activities for our school in honor of those who have served our country.

8. 6th Grade
Our role is defining the meaning of Veteran’s Day through words that capture the importance of honoring.

9. 7th Grade
Our role is to describe the significance of Veteran’s Day through our values of Inspire, Empower, and Unite.

10. 8th Grade
Our role is to share our school’s values of Inspire, Empower, and Unite by writing a letter of support and gratitude for those who honor us.

11. Honor Flights
June 2016 Honor Flights Video (34 minutes)