Take A Vet To School

A Brief History of Veterans Day

Where does the term "veteran" come from?

Originally, the word veteran meant "a person of long experience" or skill. Derived from the Latin term veteranus, after the American Revolution the word veteran came to be associated specifically with former soldiers of old age who had fought for independence. As time went on, "veteran" was used to describe any former member of the armed forces or a person who had served in the military.

In the mid-19th century, this term was often shortened to the simple phrase "vets." The term came to be used as a way to categorize and honor those who had served and sacrificed through their roles in the military.

World War I, also known as the "Great War" was officially concluded on the 11th hour of the 11th Day of November, at 11 A.M. in 1918. On November 11th of the following year, President Woodrow Wilson declared that day as "Armistice Day" in honor of the peace. (The term armistice means "truce" or the end of wartime hostilities.) This day was marked with public celebrations and a two minute halt to business at 11 AM. In 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated in Arlington Cemetery with a ceremony on November 11th. After this dedication, Armistice Day was adopted in many states and at the federal level as a day to honor veterans. This was made official in 1938 when an act of Congress made Armistice Day a national holiday.

In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day. For several years in the 1970s, Veterans Day was observed in October by many states but in 1978 it was returned to November 11th. Today, Veterans Day is still observed on November 11th as a national holiday to honor all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. (If November 11th falls on a weekend day, the holiday is observed the following Monday.) Throughout the nation, Americans participate in parades, ceremonies, and observances to pay their respects to our servicemen and women, both past and present.

Donate for Veterans

Underscoring Take a Veteran to School Day is a call to action for citizens to support veterans from all wars by donating to not-for-profit organizations that provide medical care, counseling, and aid to families of veterans. The following organizations offer support and assistance for veterans and current servicemen and women in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Visit their websites to find out how you can support our veterans and troops.

Armed Services YMCA
www.asymca.org
Supplies vets with access to rehabilitation facilities, job training, and other services.

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
www.fallenheroesfund.org
Dedicated to helping severely injured American veterans and their families.

America's VetDogs
www.vetdogs.org
Helping those who have served our country honorably to live with dignity and independence whether they are visually impaired or have other special needs,

Thanks a Vet at Work

THANK A VETERAN AT WORK 2009

HISTORY invites you to participate in Thank a Veteran at Work 2009. Last year, our Take a Veteran to School Day program received a warm reception nationwide, linking veterans with young people in our communities and schools. Thank a Veteran at Work builds off that program, encouraging employers to take time out of the day to thank the many veterans in our workplaces. In 2009, Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day, the official day of appreciation for our veterans. Take the time to thank the veterans at your workplace on or around that day.

Teacher Resources

Below are some teacher resources for teachers interested in Take a Veteran to School Day. None of these are written in stone—we're counting on you to take what will work for you and adapt it as you see fit. We know that there is a tremendous difference between the little ones in kindergarten and high schoolers. However, all ages and ability levels can benefit from this program. Show our veterans how much we value their service through a learning-rich Take a Veteran to School Day experience.

To download these files, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Curriculum and Planning Guides
Grades K-4 (933K)
Grades 5-8 (1MB)
Grades 9-12 (995K)

Student Participation Forms
Grades K-4 (449K)
Grades 5-8 (476K)
Grades 9-12 (476K)

African Americans in WWII (332K)
TAVSD Primary Sources (84K)
Take a Veteran to School How-To (584K)
How-To Guide (Spanish) (971K)
Veterans Day Study Guide (691K)
Oral History Guide(44K)
Sample Oral Histories with Veterans (522K)

>> Go to the Study Guides Archive for a complete list of classroom resources.

OTHER RESOURCES

Veterans History Project Wiki/How-To Guide (Eastern Lebanon County High School)

Veteran's History Project- Library of Congress

DOWNLOADS

Veterans History Project Field Kit (2.49MB)
Veterans History Project Tips (179K)
Sample Interview with WWII Veterans (153K)
Promoting History Preservation in the Classroom (350K)

OTHER RESOURCES

Visit this site from the Library of Congress to for tips specially for Educators and Students about interviewing veterans.

Veterans History Project Wiki/How-To Guide (Eastern Lebanon County High School)

Veteran Services Partners

The following organizations offer support and assistance for veterans and current servicemen and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. Explore their websites to find out how you can support our veterans and troops.

American Legion
www.legion.org
Gives financial assistance and support for military families in need.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
www.vfw.org
Gives financial assistance and support for military families in need.

Veteran Resources

U.S. Veterans Day Parade Directory

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States

Veterans Health Administration

Veterans Burial and Memorial Benefits

Arlington National Cemetery

American Legion