VA Releases Resource Guide for Teachers Ahead of Veterans Day

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has released a new resource document to help teachers educate students about Veterans Day.

The VA guide, which the department releases every year, includes information about the origins of Veterans Day, lesson plans and student activities for different age groups to help teach students about military service, flag etiquette guidance, and guidance on specific conflicts involving the U.S.

It also contains information about different awards veterans can receive, including the Medal of Honor and a list of veterans organizations and advocacy groups to be aware of.

The VA said the 32-page document “supports educators, youth leaders and community organizations in teaching the history and significance of Veterans Day while honoring all who served.” The VA told Military.com that it and the Veterans Day National Committee “are pleased” to offer this guide.

“There are about 18 million veterans living among us, in every state and territory and from every walk of life,” they said. “Students in your class may be the son, daughter, cousin or other relative of a veteran or current service member. By engaging in discussion about these crucial members of our society, your students will be able to hear from and about those who have helped shape and continue to shape U.S. history.

“This resource guide, along with another group of America’s finest—our teachers—will allow your students to learn more about the role our brave veterans have played in defending and preserving our nation. It is our hope that by thanking America’s veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, we can reward them with the honor they so richly deserve.”

How Did Veterans Day Become a National Holiday?

The federal holiday Veterans Day is observed annually on Nov. 11 to honor all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, with the VA acting as the primary federal agency responsible for organizing and coordinating national activities associated with it.

President Woodrow Wilson originally created it in 1919 as Armistice Day, and chose the 11th as it marked the exact conclusion of major hostilities in World War I—which ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month, in 1918.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially renamed the holiday to Veterans Day to expand its scope and honor living veterans.

The holiday is deeply important because it serves as a national expression of gratitude, acknowledging the sacrifices service members made to safeguard the country’s freedom.

What Else the VA Guide Includes

Additionally, the VA guide includes the official national Veterans Day poster and step-by-step ceremony templates, offering organizations structured pathways to host meaningful local tributes that honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans and active-duty service members.

Aside from educational resources, there will be a host of other events, offers and ceremonies to celebrate the day all around the country.

President Donald Trump will participate in the National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Veterans can also enjoy discounts, freebies and offers from many participating businesses.

Most of these offers require a valid military ID, VA health card, DD214, or proof of service, and are typically valid for dine-in only.