Teaching Children the Importance of Veterans Day

[Briana Hartzell USAA]

Updated November 2021

I want my kids, ages 5 and 7, to have an understanding, even at a young age, of the importance of Veterans Day. I want them to feel appreciative and thankful for the veterans that have served our country. We have talked about "taking turns to protect America" since my husband deployed when they were younger, and it's a hard concept for little ones to grasp. This Veterans Day, I am hoping by spreading some love to a few veterans as they watch on, will instill in them thankfulness for the sacrifices of others!

I asked fellow military bloggers how they recognize Veterans Day with their children and requested they share how they teach the next generation about America’s heroes:

Jenah from PCS Grades: Our kids are 4 and 1 so we keep it simple. It's a day to thank and honor them. We shake hands and say thanks to every Veteran we see that day! We also attend our local parade. As they get older, I would like them to come with me to the VA and pass out cards.

Doug from The Military Guide: Our daughter used to get excited about the Veteran's Day freebies. We'd tell her "Your parents are the veterans, and we've earned those freebies. If you want them then you have to earn them too." Well, she showed us. Now she's in her 20s, and I'm pretty sure she'll have the inport duty on Veterans Day. If she's not underway.

Meg from milkidsed.com: I read Nubs to my class and have had my husband/other Marines come in as guest speakers and readers. The kids love it! With my preschooler, we talk a lot about how the troops are helpers and that we should thank the helpers that we know in the military

Tessa from Humans on the Homefront : We line the park in front of our house with flags, for Veterans Day, Memorial Day and 4th of July. We taught our kiddos very early the difference - and importance - of each holiday.

"Thank you for working so hard for the Military Sprite (call sign). Love, the Hartzell Family (Evelyn Age 5)So what will we be doing? We have started working on some handmade cards to send to our veteran friends. You can also send a card through Operation Gratitude, who provides all of the details and mailing address to write a Veteran a letter of thanks. In the past, we have sent care packages to my spouse or a friend on to the aircraft carrier, another option is to send a package to another veteran through this Veterans Care Package Program.

We are also attending a local Veterans Day parade to show our thanks and support in person. 

This Veterans Day, I encourage you to show your children how to spread thanks and appreciation to a veteran. Shake a hand, send a card, do anything that acknowledges the sacrifice they made to support and defend our country.

How do you teach your children the importance of recognizing Veterans?

Additional Resources:

Sharing Veterans Day with Your Kids through Crafting

usaa.com/veteransday

About the Blogger: Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, mother to two beautiful girls (5 and 7) former full time USAA employee and a graduate of Texas A&M University.

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