Veteran’s Day is an important holiday that is celebrated every year in the United States on November 11th. It is a day when we honor and remember all the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces to protect our country’s freedom and democracy. Here are some of the interesting facts about this holiday that kids should know:
1. Veteran’s Day was originally called Armistice Day: It was first celebrated on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. It became an official holiday in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
2. It is a federal holiday: This means that all government offices, banks, and schools remain closed on this day.
3. The red poppy is a symbol of Veteran’s Day: It became the official symbol after World War I as a tribute to the fallen soldiers. It is believed that the poppies grew on the battlefield in Flanders, Belgium.
4. Military dogs also serve in the armed forces: They play a vital role in detecting bombs, drugs and help in search and rescue efforts.
5. Women have also served in the military: About 2 million women have served in the U.S. military since 1901.
6. The youngest serving U.S. veteran was just 12 years old: His name was Calvin Leon Graham, and he lied about his age to join the Navy during World War II.
7. The oldest living veteran is 112 years old: His name is Lawrence Brooks, and he served during World War II.
8. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu is also known as the “Punchbowl”: It is a place where thousands of American veterans and their family members are buried.
9. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery represents all unidentified soldiers who fought and died for their country.
10. Veterans Day is celebrated in other countries too: Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th.
