Here are some fun ways to honor, observe, and celebrate Veterans Day. Choose a few your family will enjoy and have a wonderful day!
1) Attend your local Veterans Day Parade. You might need to explain to your kids that we attend the parade, not necessarily because we want to, but to honor people who have served our country. (At least my family needs to say that from time to time.)
Invite your kids to look for opportunities to say thank-you to the veterans they see. Usually, even teens come home happy that they went, especially if you have a nice brunch afterwards.
2) Visit with a veteran. Whether you call, visit them, or invite a vet into your home, this can become a favorite family tradition. My dad and father-in-law both served in World War II. We call them for Veterans Day and Memorial Day and invite them to tell us about their experiences. Of course, we've heard the same stories many times now, but we never get tired of them. We hope our kids will tell them to our grandkids so our family legacy is passed from one generation to the next.
3) Thank a military family. You could make them a card or a poster and take them a treat. Tell them how grateful you are for the sacrifices they are making (or have made) for our country. Be sure to make plenty of treats so your family can have some when you return home!
Or you could tape a thank-you picture or note on a military family's door, ring the doorbell and hide. Kids love to "ding dong ditch" and it's fun for the military family to wonder who their secret pal is.
If you don't know any military families, you could watch the video of soldiers being reunited with their families and talk about some of the sacrifices military families make. You might want to say a prayer for them.
4) Read or tell a patriotic story. Share your feelings about the blessings we enjoy in America. If you don't have any stories handy, you could read "Our Father" or "I Knew You Would Come."
5) Attend a patriotic performance. Or watch The Price of Freedom at home. It's wonderful!
6) Watch a movie about the fight for freedom. One of our favorites is Sergeant York. If you have any favorites, please share them in the comments below so others can enjoy them too.
7) Serve. Not everyone serves in the military, but we can all do something to lighten the burdens of those around us. Talk with your family about the best way you can help someone, and do it. The happy glow that almost always comes from helping others may be your favorite part of the holiday.
