Like most holidays calling into memory those who have given a great sacrifice, Veterans Day can be a hard day to explain to young kids. Through the parades, fireworks and days off school, the meaning of the day can become lost unless parents force the point home.
Veterans Day is observed every Nov. 11 in coordination with the end of World War I, when the combatants signed the Treaty of Versailles. Before 1954, the day more clearly reflected this origin, as its name was Armistice Day. The change gave the federally recognized holiday a larger scope by celebrating not just those who served in the first World War, but anyone who served the country at any time.
Veterans Day is similar to other holidays where solemnity and reflection are the norm in that it can be tough to translate parades and days off of school to the more serious nature of the day.
If the entire family has off school and work, consider a trip to a war memorial. You might think these fit more for Memorial Day, but the sites offer a great chance for reflection and the perfect venue for you to have a talk with your kids about what it means to serve in the military. There are monuments and memorials all over the country, with a big concentration in and around Washington, D.C. If your family has any veterans, invite them for the trip and talk to them with your kids about what Veterans Day means to them.
The Three Soldiers – Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. Photo: Vadim Lerner | Dreamstime.com
Use the occasion to get together with any family members who are veterans. Even if there is not a memorial nearby, it is a good time to spend quality time with them and let them know you appreciate their service.
Consider a trip to a specialty museum. Depending on your city, there can be many historic museums dedicated to those who served in the military. Battleship New Jersey is easily accessible from Philadelphia and can provide the entire family a glimpse into one of the country’s most decorated naval vessels.
Parades are popular for Veterans Day. If all else fails, consider seeking out your local parade. These offer a little more levity to the day’s true meaning, but can go a long way to helping your kids associate fun and meaningful memories with the day, especially if you stick around for any veteran services that follow many parades.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedBudget
Dec 12, 2019Be Over the Moon, But Not Home Alone, for Holiday Packages in Chicago
Are your kids astronaut wannabes? Or maybe a holiday tradition in your family is to re-watch Macauley Culkin’s Home Alone every year. Either way, the brand new, dual-branded 342-room Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop and the historic 1928 Whitehall Hotel have packages designed for the little ones in your family.
Sponsored Content
Host Your Next Event in Urban Wine Country
While urban wine country might sound like an oxymoron, it’s actually a reality at the stunning City Vineyard in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. The water-side venue is the perfect host for your next event — whatever that may be, from 20 to 200 guests and from cocktail party to plated dinner.
Destinations / North America
Dec 11, 2019Holiday Magic Comes Alive at Gaylord National Resort in Washington, D.C.
The Grinch reimaged in intricate ice carvings, superfast indoor snow tubing and a Ferris wheel ride with Santa high above the D.C. area. Sound like fun? You and your family can experience all this and lots more this holiday season at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Listicles
Dec 11, 2019Train Tours for Road Trippers
Traveling the countryside without adding miles to your car may sound like a riddle, but it’s really just a clever family travel plan offering the best of both worlds. Enjoy quality time with the family and view rolling scenery without having eyes on the road with train travel.
Cruising
Dec 11, 2019Swap Giant Cruise Ships for Authentic Experience Aboard Celestyal Cruises
Not a fan of giant cruise ships? This might be the year to put Celestyal Cruises on your radar, especially if your dream family destinations are the Greek Islands, the eastern Mediterranean and, new for next year, the Adriatic.
ShareThis