1. Veterans Day
November 11

2. What is Veterans Day? Veterans Day is to
thank living Veterans for their service
to acknowledge their contributions to our national security are appreciated
to remind us that all who served have sacrificed

3. What is Veterans Day?
This day has held an important place in our nation’s history for decades. While the name and the date have changed, it remains a day to honor our veterans.
“History of Veterans Day” film

4. Origins of Veterans Day
Originally called Armistice Day
It was a day to remember the end of WWI and the start of world peace
WWI ended the 11th hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month (November 11 at 11 AM)
Changed to Veterans Day, in 1954, to include all veterans of the Armed Forces who served in times of peace and war

5. June 1, 1954: President Eisenhower signs HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day

6. Who is a veteran?
All men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces in both times of war and peace

7. Traditions of Veterans Day
National Traditions
Ceremony with wreath placed at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Moment of Silence at 11AM
Playing of Taps to honor fallen soldiers and deceased veterans
Honoring the unheard stories of veterans
Local Traditions
Ceremonies and parades
Posting of Colors (US flag) in school assemblies
Making, wearing, and selling of red poppies

8. National Traditions of Veterans Day
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
It refers to a grave in which the remains of an unidentified soldier are interred, dedicated to the common memories of all soldiers killed in any war
In the U.S., the president places a wreath on the tomb in Arlington National Cemetery every Veterans Day

9. Tombs of the Unknown, Arlington National Cemetery
Film Clip:

10. Traditions Red Poppies
The red poppy was made famous in the poem, "In Flanders Fields," written by a Canadian officer, Col. John McCrae, a physician, who was inspired by the flower.
McCrae was intrigued with the poppy, which can lay dormant in the soil for years, and its ability to reappear in great numbers.
Others had noticed how the flower had a tendency to grow in former battlefields and on soldiers graves.

11. In Flanders Field
Read by three American veterans
Film clip:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow       Between the crosses, row on row,    That mark our place; and in the sky    The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,    Loved and were loved, and now we lie          In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw    The torch; be yours to hold it high.    If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow          In Flanders fields.

12. Number of Wartime Soldiers

13. Number of Wartime Soldiers

14. Number of Wartime Soldiers

15. We will remember and honor those who have served our country.