Veterans Day Printables and Activities for Kids

Published:
November 9, 2020

Annette Breedlove

Contributor:
Annette Breedlove

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Veterans Day is celebrated each year on November 11th. It has become a day when we honor and recognize those who have served the United States. Whether in times of war or peace – dead or alive, we honor these veterans.

Learn about the history of Veterans Day and honor those who have served America in the Armed Forces. Use these Veterans Day printables to aid you in teaching your kids about this important federal holiday.

silhouette of soldiers with overlay - Free Printables, Resources, and Activities for Veterans Day

Veterans Day

Teaching your children about the history of some federal holidays is important. Veteran’s Day is one of those important holidays everyone should understand. 

The History of Veterans Day

Did you know Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day, which celebrated the end of World War I? Although the Treaty of Versailles was signed June 28, 1919 (the official end to WWI), the fighting stopped seven months earlier on November 11, 1918. Congress officially recognized 11/11 as the end of the war in 1926 and it became an official holiday honoring those who fought in World War I.

After World War II and the Korean War happened, Congress officially amended and changed the name from Armistice, which basically means a truce, to Veterans Day to include all American veterans who have fought in wars. American isn’t the only country that celebrates those who have protected and served their country. Australia, Canada, and Great Britain all call their “Remembrance Day” but honor their veterans just the same.

Fun Fact about Veterans Day

Something else you might not know about Veterans Day is there is no apostrophe in the name, as many would like to add (I know I have done it). Why? Because the day doesn’t belong to just one veteran but rather all those who have fought and served the United States through military service.

Veterans Day vs Memorial Day

And make sure you don’t confuse this holiday with Memorial Day (celebrated in May), as that is the day we honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in their service to this country.

Nowadays you’re more likely to see Veterans Day honoring those who are still living but have served this country, whether in war or peace. Memorial Day is reserved for those who gave their lives in battle or ultimately because of wounds they suffered.

History of Federal Holidays

You can teach your children about the history of federal holidays using our American Holidays Unit Study

Do you have a difficult time explaining the history behind America’s Federal Holidays to your students? In this unit study you will learn all about the history and traditions of America’s Federal Holidays.

Includes text, questions, written narration, research, quiz, notebooking, and an answer key.

American Holidays workbook cover with background image of an American flag

Veterans Day Printables

Free Printable Veteran\'s Day Easy Reader text with image example of a children\'s coloring page

Free Veterans Day Printables

Free Veterans Day Printables for Kindergarten

sample pages of Veterans Day Tot & PreK-K Pack

Veterans Day Printables

Free Printable Military Branch Puzzle Activity text with image examples of paper puzzles over a blue colored background

Veterans Day Free Printables

sample pages of Veterans Day Coloring Activities

 

Veterans Day Activities for Kids

free veterans day music lesson

Veterans Day Crafts

Military Printables

Teach your kids about the different branches of the U.S. Military too!

Free Printables About the U.S. Air Force

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