This Veterans Day, some of the ways we normally celebrate as a family—like attending parades, visiting with veterans, or in-person volunteering—might not be available due to the pandemic. But we still want to express our gratitude and teach our kids about the contributions and sacrifices U.S. veterans have made!
Learn about military ribbons and medals
Look up some of the colorful emblems, ribbons, and medals awarded to service members with your child. They can draw, paint, or cut construction paper to recreate the awards while you both learn which impressive accomplishment each one represents. Young kids might enjoy cutting out their favorites and pinning them to their shirt or creating a pretty display.
Interview a veteran
Show your appreciation by setting up a Zoom call with a grandparent or other family member, family friend, or neighbor who served in the military and interviewing them about their service. Here are some questions you can ask:
- What branch of service were you in? What kind of work did you do?
- Tell me about a couple of your most memorable experiences.
- What is one of the hardest things you faced?
- What was it like to come home?
- Anything else you want to share?
If your kids are older, they can do a more formal interview and submit it to the Library of Congress through the Veteran’s History Project.
Write a thank you card
Letters and drawings from kids will lift anyone’s spirits, but it’s extra special to send a note or picture thanking someone for protecting our freedoms. If you don’t personally know a veteran, websites like Operation Gratitude and A Million Thanks make it easy for kids to send letters to deployed troops, wounded warriors and veterans.
Learn to fold the flag
Did you know there’s a specific way the American flag is supposed to be folded, and each of the 13 folds has its own special meaning? This special flag folding is part of many important ceremonies, but might be most recognizable from military funerals. Look it up with your kids and learn the history and symbolism behind the patriotic ritual of folding the flag.
Donate items to veterans
One way to honor veterans is to make sure those who’ve served us continue to have their needs met. If you’re able to donate, commonly requested items include:
- Snacks (beef jerky, hard candy, crackers, etc)
- Laundry pods
- Handkerchiefs
- Wash cloths
- Stamps
- Clothing (diabetic socks, T-shirts, etc)
- Razors
- AA or AAA batteries
- Personal hygiene items
- Gift cards
- Puzzles
You can find veterans homes on the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) website or locate Veterans Affairs medical facilities at www.va.gov/health—call ahead if possible to see if there are any specific items they’re looking for.
