I don’t know how I feel about saying “Happy Veterans Day” as that feels a bit strange, considering the sacrifice they made for the United States. These brave men and women put their lives on the line for my freedom and yours and some of them never returned home. So while it might seem strange to have free Veterans Day coloring pages for such an occasion, I think it is a great way to introduce children of all ages to this historic day.
Veterans Day Coloring Pages
In all my years of homeschooling and working with young children, I have found that coloring pages play an important role in development, as well as, learning. These coloring sheets are a gentle way to introduce kids of all ages to the different branches of the armed forces and military veterans, while improving eye-hand coordination.
Often times young kids learn how colors are mixed and create new colors by accident when they’re actively using old or new coloring pages. The act of coloring is a great way to help kids learn about color concepts and how colors interact with each other with different images to complete.
Our Veterans Day MEGA Pack includes more than 50 printable Veterans Day coloring pages are just a depiction of the brave soldiers who have fought for country through the years, but are presented in a fun way with detailed patterns and child-friendly images. In addition to the coloring pages (in 4 styles), you’ll find puzzles, writing prompts, copywork for up to 5th grade, as well as, activities for preschool and early learners.
The History of Veterans Day
Did you know Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day? Derived from the Latin words arma which means arms and -stitium, meaning “a stopping”, an armistice is when those at war come to a formal agreement to stop fighting. Although it didn’t mean the end of the war, it often resulted in a cease fire for a limited or agreed upon time, so that negotiations for peace could be reached.
Each year we remember the Armistice of 11th November 1918 that was signed between the Allies of World War I and the German Empire, which took place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, as the hostilities on the Western Front of World War I came to an end.
In 1919, Woodrow Wilson addressed the country on the first anniversary of Armistice Day, with a proclamation of what that day meant to Americans. However, it wasn’t until 1926, that Congress made the day a legal federal holiday with the appropriate ceremonies and observances.
Why do we wear poppies on Remembrance Day?
The Poppy flower is often associated with Veterans Day, but do you know why? The poppy is the symbol of remembrance of the First World War. Red poppies were commonly seen on the Western front. During the war, the soil was churned up through the fighting which caused the poppies to flourish after the war.
Canadian Doctor John McCrae was serving during the war and he was inspired by the symbols of the red poppies. This is when he wrote the famous poem In Flanders Fields.
The Commonwealth recognizes Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day because many wear a remembrance poppy to honor those who have died in the line of duty since the end of the First World War. Although not recognized in the United States, Remembrance Day is also celebrated on the 11th day of November each year.
Annual Holiday
It wasn’t until 1945, after the conclusion of World War II that a suggestion was made by veteran, Raymond Weeks, to expand Armistice Day to include all war veterans. Even though it took more than eight years before Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law, and it became officially known as Veterans Day, Weeks continued to lead celebrations each year in honor of all veterans.
November 11th is now celebrated as an annual American holiday with parades and ceremonies as a festive way to honor those who sacrificed for our freedom.
Best Ways to Say Thank You
Many Americans offer their appreciation for veterans on Veterans Day, but is there more you can do? Certainly!
Maybe not the most creative way, but the best way to honor the brave veterans who have fought for our country is to simply thank them. When you see them out in public with a hat or coat on commemorating their time in the military, verbally tell them “Thank you”. Even a courageous soldier needs to hear he (or she) is valued and appreciated.
Our children love looking for Veterans when we are out traveling, and always thank them for their service. Here are some other fun ways to thank a veteran:
- Find veterans in your local community and bring them treats or thank you cards on Veterans Day.
- Send care packages to veterans in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
- Fly the American flag proudly wherever you reside.
- Ask a veteran you know to tell you their story, and sit patiently as you listen to them tell about their historical moment in history.
- Volunteer at a veteran’s organization or a place that serves homeless veterans a hot meal.
- Join a community event like a parade or concert, which honors veterans on Veterans day.
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more great ideas.
Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to VeteransH is for Honor: A Military Family AlphabetDon’t Forget, God Bless Our TroopsThe Wall (Reading Rainbow Books)
Free Veterans Day Mini Activity Pack
The Veterans Day Mini Activity Pack includes four pages of coloring and word game activities. The fun coloring pages include a heart-shaped American flag and child-friendly images of soldiers from the Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. This mini pack is a quick and easy way to introduce your kids to Veterans Day and what it means.
Annette lived many years as an exhausted wife of 1 and mother of 6. Grab your fuzzy blanket, pour your favorite drink, and browse through our encouraging tips, printables, and curriculum options. Read more about me and the ministry here at In All You Do