Veteran’s Day Beginnings Originally called “Armistice Day.” 1st celebrated November 11, 1919 Created/Promoted by President Woodrow Wilson Dedicated to honoring/furthering world peace

The Change to Veteran’s Day Kansas Wanted Change Make about US Military 1954: US Congress changed name/meaning Now celebrates US Military instead of World peace Extra Note Labor Day: celebrates contributions made by workers in America

US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014 When Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” almost 200 years ago, he called America, “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Throughout this Nation’s history, America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, to aid our friends and allies, and to turn back aggressors. We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the more than 650,000 American service members who died in battle or the 1.4 million who were wounded. We can, however, recognize and thank the 25 million veterans still living today. These words are inscribed on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.: “Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.” Those words apply equally to many of our World War I, World War II, Vietnam War and Gulf War veterans as well. They apply to today’s active duty service members — tomorrow’s veterans — who are helping to maintain peace throughout the world. Today, it is our privilege to say “thank you” to all of America’s veterans, to let them know that we appreciate them for their service and honor them for their sacrifices. The price of freedom is high. We cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it. Today, we celebrate America’s veterans for keeping this Nation “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Presidential Proclamation -- Veterans Day, 2013 On Veterans Day, America pauses to honor every service member who has ever worn one of our Nation's uniforms. Each time our country has come under attack, they have risen in her defense. Each time our freedoms have come under assault, they have responded with resolve. Through the generations, their courage and sacrifice have allowed our Republic to flourish. And today, a Nation acknowledges its profound debt of gratitude to the patriots who have kept it whole. As we pay tribute to our veterans, we are mindful that no ceremony or parade can fully repay that debt. This year, in marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, we resolved that in the United States of America, no war should be forgotten, and no veteran should be overlooked. Let us always remember our wounded, our missing, our fallen, and their families. And as we continue our responsible drawdown from the war in Afghanistan, let us welcome our returning heroes with the support and opportunities they deserve.

Letter Assignment Mr. Saxon’s cousin (Navy) and two close friends (Army) are current servicemen in the US military. In honor of Veterans Day, you will write a thank you letter to one of these three soldiers. There is no requirement for length or content, but remember the time and sacrifice each person put in as he served in the military and protected the freedom of Americans like yourself. Edit: You have to write at least 5 sentences Mr. Saxon will read the letters and send them to each person this weekend.

Stuart Saxon Military Branch: Navy Served since: 1997 Married, has 3 kids.

Justin Lewis Military Branch: Army Served since: 2009 Age: 24 Married, 0 kids

Jon Samayoa Military Branch: Army Served since: 2009 Age: 24

Veterans’ Day Letter Ideas Ideas for your letter: Thank them for their service Ask about their time serving Share/talk about Mr. Saxon’s class Talk about the pictures you saw of them Ask about the stories Mr. Saxon shared about them Keep the letter positive/happy StuartJustin Jon