Remembering the Veterans in Your Life

The nation’s military veterans are remembered and honored this week in every corner of the country.

A Brief History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.   In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'”

As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress — at the urging of the veterans service organizations — amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.”  With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

Memorial Day honors service-members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle.

Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day, but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.

How to Teach Kids About Veterans Day

Here are a few ideas from the Department of Veterans Affairs and EducationWorld.com on teaching kids about Veterans Day:
1. Teach your children about the history of Veterans Day by having them create a time line of events leading to the observance of the holiday.

2. Have your kids write short articles or essays of how veterans are honored around the world.  And if you know any veterans locally, propose that your kids interview them about what it’s like to serve in the U.S. military.

3. Research how American veterans were treated after they returned from various military conflicts, ranging from the French and Indian War to the Persian Gulf War.  Ask your children to compare and contrast their findings.  Also compare and contrast how women and minorities who served in those conflicts were treated.

4. Have children draw a picture of Veterans Day, and what this holiday means to them.  Military children can draw a picture of a parent who is currently deployed, or a relative who has served.

5. Make a thank you card for veterans.  Children can give this card to veterans that they know or to veterans who are listed through the local VA medical facility.

6. Ask your children’s teacher to invite veterans to their classroom.  Veterans can discuss what it’s like to serve in the military, and how important it is to observe this holiday.

7. Have your kids make a colorful and fun poster with the names and pictures of relatives who are veterans.

There are a variety of ways to celebrate Veterans Day with your family, friends, and children.

Consider a personalized ceremony honoring the Veterans in your life-and not only for Veterans or Memorial Day.  To contact me, see the information below.

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TO CONTACT ME…

Thank you for considering how I may serve you by collaborating with you to co-design and officiate at your unique and personalized Ceremony.

For availability and fee estimate please contact me, I would be glad to answer any questions you may have.   Feel free to call me at 425.770.9243, or email me at francis@significantceremonies.com.

I look forward to speaking with you!

Francis Michael Lee, Funeral Officiant & Ceremonial Celebrant

Honoring Loss & Celebrating Life through Personalized Ceremony

Significant Ceremonies NW



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