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Teachers’ Guide
conducting programs and activities to Honor
Table of Contents
Teachers’ Resources
• Field Trip
• Thank-A-Vet Program
• The School Assembly
• Classroom Activities
Student Resources K-6
• FAQs About Veterans
• Origins of Veterans Day
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Respecting the Flag
• Folding the Flag
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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Teachers’ guide
TEACHERS’ RESOURCES
Each year the President of the United States proclaims November 11 as Veterans Day and urges all Americans
to observe National Veterans Awareness Week to recognize the valor and sacrifice of all our veterans through
ceremonies and prayers, and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. Civic and
fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media are invited to support this
national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.
Veterans Day is an excellent occasion for schools and local communities to produce a variety of meaningful cooperative programs. It is an ideal time to educate your students about the history of this holiday and the sacrifice and dedication of our U.S. veterans. Participation by veterans organizations and other patriotic groups can
enhance many of the activities suggested in this guide.
So, how do you celebrate this holiday in a creative and constructive way with your students? Here are a few ideas.
FIELD TRIP
Veterans Day presents a unique opportunity for a class field trip. All Indianapolis area schools are invited to join
us in downtown Indianapolis to pay tribute to all our Hoosier veterans. Not only is this an educational experience
for the students but also a fun-filled time for all.
10:45 a.m.
Musical Prelude – Military band performance on the north steps of the Indiana War Memorial
that includes patriotic music played from World War I, World War II and Korean War eras.
11:00 a.m.
Memorial Service – A moving ceremony is conducted on the north steps of Indiana War Memorial that includes a featured speaker, a rifle salute and the playing of “Taps.” Weather permitting,
the Indiana Air National Guard will conduct a fly over near the close of the service.
11:45 a.m.
Parade – Between 80 – 90 units and over 2,000 participants will march in this parade, which
begins at Michigan and Pennsylvania Streets, moves south on Pennsylvania to New York Street,
west to Meridian Street, north on Meridian and finishes at North Street. The reviewing stand is
located at Meridian and Michigan Street.
THANK-A-VET PROGRAM
One of the most personal and meaningful Veterans Day activities for students is to send notes or cards to hospitalized
veterans or those living in veterans’ homes. Students can
design and send individual notes or cards or work together
as a group to send an oversized card or poster signed by all
of the students in a class. As part of the overall Veterans Day
celebration, the council has established the Thank-A-Vet program to provide communication and support between area
school children and our city’s veteran population. Target
level for participation is grades 3-6.
Veterans Day
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Education Objectives
The purpose of the program is to increase students’ understanding of the meaning of the Veterans Day celebration
and to be able to identify the contributions military veterans have made to this country.
After participating in the program and activities in this guide, students will be able to:
• Articulate the meaning of Veterans Day and why it is observed on November 11
• Define the term “veteran”
• Explain the importance of veterans in the history of our nation
• Identify ways to honor veterans for their service to our country
Education Connection
• Supports Indiana Academic Standards 2008 “Writing Process”
• Fulfills requirements to educate students on the background and meaning of the Veterans Day holiday
(refer to information in the Student Resources section)
Honor our local veterans who are currently in Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, convalescent centers or other medical facilities, and are unable to attend ceremonies in the Indianapolis area, by writing a “Thank you”
card or letter. Letters should be addressed “Dear Veteran” or
“To A Veteran.” Recipients may be veterans of various ages,
race, gender, and service affiliations. Cards can be of any
size. The sentiment should thank veterans for their service
to the United States and express pride and gratitude for their
accomplishments.
Contact Susan Richards at 317-569-4543 (work) or email
[email protected] to arrange for delivery or pickup
of the materials. Items should be received on or before
November 6 to ensure timely delivery to area veterans;
however, materials will be accepted up to the close of business on November 9. If you would like to have a veteran
visit your classroom for a short presentation or Q&A session,
please contact Ms. Richards as far in advance as possible of
the desired date.
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Department of Defense
The Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis will distribute
letters and cards on November 11, 2008. Many of the cards
will be given to inpatient veterans at the Roudebush VA
Medical Center. Others will be distributed to area facilities
known to house veterans.
Teachers’ guide
THE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
An indoor assembly is always a huge success.
The scope of such a program may be large
enough to permit invitations to the community at large, to include local veterans groups.
Students can be encouraged to bring family
members who are veterans or currently in the
Armed Forces.
Department of Defense
Inviting Local Veterans Groups
Inviting local veterans groups can make
assembly programs far more exciting and
meaningful for students. Students tend to better understand and absorb the significance of
Veterans Day when they can attach a human
face to it. From stirring renditions of the National Anthem and Taps, to thrilling speeches and stories, veterans
as guests will both entertain and educate students. Veterans groups in your area can be found through your local veterans service organization chapters and VA hospitals. You might be surprised at how many veterans live
in your area. Schools that send out invitations sometimes end up with former generals and admirals, Medal of
Honor recipients and other distinguished guests coming to speak.
Program Guide
The following are some suggestions and a
sample program guide that will make this
Veterans Day memorable for both students and
special guests.
Prelude and Posting of Colors — As the
audience enters to be seated, a school or community musical organization may offer several appropriate selections. A procession and
posting of the nation’s colors (the American
flag) is always a stirring event. Local veterans service organizations often participate in such programs with their
impressive array of military banners and American flags.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and singing of the National Anthem — The program chairperson, school principal or student body president should invite the audience to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance and the
National Anthem.
Introductory Remarks — Brief introductory remarks set the tone for the program. Consider reading the President’s Veterans Day Proclamation, which the White House issues and posts on the Internet shortly before Veterans Day. For more information, go to the web site at www.whitehouse.gov. Additional remarks and suitable quotations for speeches can be found on the Veterans Day web page or use any of the quotes featured in this guide.
Introduction of Guests — Introduce any special guests, which might include local government officials, school
alumni with distinguished military service, veterans from the community who represent different periods of service and faculty members who are veterans.
Veterans Day
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Department of Defense
Undoubtedly, your school will want to put on
a program worthy of all these distinguished
guests.
Principal Speaker — Your principal speaker
should be invited far enough in advance to allow adequate preparation for your program.
Special Musical Selection — A band or choral
group could offer one of the more impressive
patriotic selections available.
Department of Defense
Student Essay or Reading — By including various presentations by individual pupils in school
programs, student body participation may be
increased. The student-author may offer selected
essays from class or school-wide competitions.
The reading of a Presidential or military hero
patriotic address is also effective. There are a
number of published musicals/narratives that
can enhance your program. A short play or
skit performed by the younger students can be
exciting as well. One such play is included in the
section for younger students.
Department of Defense
Moment of Silence, Taps — While Veterans Day is primarily a
tribute to America’s living veterans and is typically observed more
as a celebration than as a somber remembrance (Memorial Day), it is
always appropriate to include a moment of respect for those who gave
their lives for their country. The signing of the World War I Armistice took place in a railway coach near the battle zone in France. The
bugles sounded “cease fire” and the hostilities ended, marking a most
significant moment in world history. Although 11:00 a.m. remains
a traditional hour for this type of tribute, a moment of silence is
appropriate at any point in the program. This may be followed by a
rendition of “Taps.”
Closing — The Master of Ceremonies announces, “Retire the Colors.” Accompanied by appropriate music, such as a John Philip Sousa
march, the Colors are paraded out of the assembly area. This concludes the ceremony.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
School Newspaper
Veterans Day stories can be featured in school publications. Publish a roster of faculty members who are veterans. Describe Veterans Day activities being held in
classrooms throughout the school.
Musical Program
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Department of Defense
Veterans Day offers an excellent opportunity for school or
community musical organizations to display their talents.
A midday concert at the school or at a central location in
the community may dedicated to Veterans Day. An innovative program might include selections known to have
been popular during America’s wars.
Teachers’ guide
Writing Assignments
Veterans Day themes can be included in writing assignments. Assign students to write about accounts of military
service told by local veterans. Assign students to investigate the various benefits offered to veterans by government agencies. Write about veterans who are receiving educational benefits from the Department of Veterans
Affairs. Have students 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.
Describe various veterans memorials that may be located nearby.
Social Studies Assignments
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. 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.
Art Assignments
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.
Have your kids make a colorful and fun poster with the names and
pictures of relatives who are veterans.
Movies and Documentaries
To introduce students to a particular war or period of service,
show appropriately rated movies and documentaries as a starting
point to discuss the history, politics and meaning behind each war.
Consider bringing a veteran into the classroom to discuss his or
her personal experience in the service and how it compares to the
movies.
Patriotic Groups
Local veterans, historical or other patriotic organizations may
enliven Veterans Day programs by providing period-uniformed
flag bearers, fife and drum corps, and other marching and musical
units. These organizations may also provide speakers with unique
military experiences to share. One of the most popular activities
among students is to meet with local veterans during an assembly or in individual classrooms to hear veterans
share their experiences and answer questions. The veterans can be relatives of students or members of local veterans service organizations.
There are a variety of ways to celebrate Veterans Day with your children. And teaching children about the significance of this holiday will help give them a deep appreciation of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans.
The following section provides handouts for students that will help them better understand and appreciate Veterans Day. 6
Veterans Day
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STUDENT RESOURCES K-6
FAQs About Veterans
Who are veterans? Have you ever met a veteran?
A veteran is a man or woman who has served in the military
in peacetime or fought in a war. Veterans work to protect our
freedom and us. Maybe you have a parent or grandparent who
is a veteran, or an aunt, uncle, sister or brother. You can be
very proud of them. Many have given much to keep us safe
and free.
Have all veterans experienced combat or been involved in
a war?
No. Many veterans have served only in the United States or in
jobs that aren’t directly involved in combat. But everyone who
joins the military could be assigned to a job or assignment in
a combat area. And everyone in the military works to support
troops in combat and to make sure that our military is ready to
defend America at all times.
Department of Defense
What is the difference between Veterans Day and
Memorial Day?
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military
personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly
those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in
battle.
While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor
ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to appreciate their contributions to our national security, and
to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
A complete history of Veterans Day, and why it is observed on November 11, can be found on the Department of
Veterans Affairs web site www.va.gov/kids.
Are the men and women in the military today
considered “veterans”?
Yes. Although some people think only of people who
have served and are no longer in the military as “veterans,” most organizations that support veterans consider
those in uniform today to be part of this honored group
of people.
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Teachers’ guide
How do we honor our veterans in the United States?
• National monuments (World War Two Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Soldiers and Sailors Monument etc.)
• Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and Arlington Cemetery (and other military cemeteries)
• Parades and services on Veterans Day
• Newspaper, television and radio stories
• Ribbons and banners for current military personnel
• Say “Thank You!” to your relatives, friend, neighbors and community members who are veterans
Origins of Veterans Day
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to remind Americans of the
sacrifices made by our Armed Forces in times of war. A
law adopted in 1938 made the day a federal holiday.
Eisenhower Presidential Library
Veterans Day takes place on the 11th of November
every year. Veterans Day is celebrated all over the
country with parades and celebrations. One big
national celebration takes place at Arlington National
Cemetery. During this celebration, the President of
the United States places a wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier. After this, a bugler sounds “Taps,”
which is followed by a parade that includes many
veterans groups. Veterans Day takes place on the 11th
because in 1918 at 11 a.m., World War I ended. That
was the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.
June 1, 1954: President Eisenhower signs HR7786, changing Armistice Day to
Veterans Day.
The first Veterans Day parade was held in 1947. A man named Raymond Weeks helped to organize it in Birmingham, Alabama, in order to honor, “all of America’s veterans for their loyal service.” Then in 1954, President Eisenhower made Veterans Day a national celebration and so now every year on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the
11th month, the President places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery,
where he honors all Americans who have fought and died to serve our country!
In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, it became apparent that the
November 11 date was historically significant to a great many Americans. As a result, Congress formally returned
the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional date in 1978.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
In 1921, after the end of World War I, an American soldier was buried
on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of
Washington, D.C. He was given a big funeral and buried in a large
marble tomb, but he wasn’t a famous man, his name was “known but
to God.” He fought bravely in World War I, but when he died no one
could figure out who he was. He was buried in Arlington National
Cemetery as a symbol for all those who lost family members in the
war and were unable to bury their loved ones. His tomb now symbolizes our dignity and reverence for all of America’s veterans.
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Respecting the Flag
Our Pledge of Allegiance
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Respecting The Flag
The Pledge of Allegiance should be given by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.
When raising the flag to half-staff, first raise it to the top of the
staff, and then lower it halfway. When lowering a flag that has
been flying at half-staff, first raise it to the top of the staff, and
then lower it all the way.
Display the U.S. flag every day, but especially on national and
state holidays. On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown
at half-staff from sunrise until noon. Always hoist the U.S.
flag briskly. Lower it slowly and ceremoniously. The U.S. flag
should be displayed on or near the main building of every public institution, in or near every school on school days, and in or
near every polling place on election days.
Never show disrespect to the U.S. flag, place anything on it,
draw on it or use it as anything but as a flag. Never display the
U.S. flag with the stars at the bottom, except as a distress signal.
When the U.S. flag is no longer in suitable condition for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. Many
veterans groups perform this service with dignified, respectful flag retirement ceremonies.
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Teachers’ guide
Folding the Flag
(a) Straighten out the flag to full length and fold lengthwise once.
(b) Fold it lengthwise a second time to meet the open edge, making sure that the union of stars on the blue field
remains outward in full view. (A large flag may have to be folded lengthwise a third time.)
(c) A triangular fold is then started by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.
(d) The outer point is then turned inward parallel with the open edge to form a second triangle.
(e) The diagonal or triangular folding is continued toward the blue union until the end is reached, with only the
blue showing and the form being that of a cocked (three corner) hat.
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2008 Council Members
In the mid 1960s, some civic-minded individuals decided that the city of Indianapolis needed to honor Indiana
veterans with a special observance of Veterans Day. Many of the smaller cities and towns in Indiana as well as
many service organization posts in Indianapolis did indeed recognize Hoosier veterans on this special day, but
there was no citywide observance of what was initially known as Armistice Day.
Through the joint effort of civic leaders, military leaders, educators and the business community, a committee was
formed to organize appropriate recognition events for a Veterans Day observance.
Today Veterans Day in Indianapolis is observed in much the same way as in those early years, with a memorial
service, a parade and a banquet. The Veterans Day Council is now incorporated, but its charge has not changed
since it was organized in the 1960s – to appropriately recognize the veterans of Indiana so that their deeds and
sacrifices will not be forgotten.
President
Senior Vice President
Vice-President (Banquet)
Vice-President (Corporate Development)
Vice-President (Public Affairs)
Vice-President (Parade)
Vice-President (Memorial Service)
Vice-President (Awards/Scholarships)
Treasurer
Secretary
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Jack Querfeld
Dick Holmes
Matt Herndon
Bill Sweeney
Bill Pease
MG Marty Umbarger
Billy Johnson
Col. Dave Sholly
Curt Garnett
Mary Rooney
Teachers’ guide
Veterans Day
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Teachers’ Guide
VETERANS DAY COUNCIL OF INDIANAPOLIS, INC.