Veterans Day Mini Study
Created and designed by Debbie Martin Veterans Day Mini Study The Whole Word Publishing The Word, the whole Word and nothing but the Word." Copyright October 2010 by Debbie Martin 3627 D St. Bremerton, Wa 98312 All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the individual purchaser to reproduce his book in whole or in part for non commercial individual or classroom use only. Permission is not granted for school wide system wide reproduction of materials. Clip art: Public domain.
Veterans Day Sa m ple file What is Veterans Day? Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans (a veteran is a person who has or is serving in the armed forces, and has direct exposure to acts of military conflict, commonly known as war veterans). Veterans Day is a federal holiday and it is observed on November 11. What's it all about? In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America s veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation s
Sa Westminster Abbey m ple file highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). Arc de Triomphe These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 am., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as Armistice Day. (An armistice is a situation in a war where the warring parties agree to stop fighting.) Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar
file Congressional action. If the dream had been realized that World War I was the War to end all wars, November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle. Sa m ple How Armistice Day changed to honor all veterans. The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President
ple file Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Sa m June 1, 1954: President Eisenhower signs HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Standing are: Alvin J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla, Howard W. Watts. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. The Presidential Citizens Medal is the second highest civilian award in the United States, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is awarded by the President of the United States. Established on November 13, 1969, the Presidential
Citizens Medal may be granted to any United States citizen "who has performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or fellow citizens". Sa m ple file Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide. On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and buried in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. The remains from Vietnam were dug up on May 14, 1998, and identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, and removed for burial. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
Sa m ple file Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However, it became apparent that the November 11th date was historically significant to a great many Americans. As a result, Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional date in 1978. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia. Arlington House also known as the Robert E. Lee Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery are graced by U.S. flags each Memorial Day. The amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery just across the Memorial Bridge from Washington, DC.
Sa m ple file At 11 a.m., a color guard, made up of members from each of the military services, renders honors to America's war dead during a tradition-rich ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery is also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It stands on top of a hill overlooking Washington, D.C. One of the more popular sites at the Cemetery, the tomb is made from Yule marble quarried in Colorado. It consists of seven pieces,
with a total weight of 72 metric tons. The tomb was completed and opened to the public April 9, 1932, at a cost of $48,000. It was initially named the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier." Other unknown servicemen were later entombed there, and it became known as the "Tomb of the Unknowns", though it has never been officially named. The soldiers entombed there are: Unknown Soldier of World War I, interred (buried) November 11, 1921. President Warren G Harding presided. Unknown Soldier of World War II, interred (buried) May 30, 1958. President Dwight D. Eisenhower presided. Unknown Soldier of the Korean War, also interred May 30, 1958. President Dwight Eisenhower presided again. Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War, interred (buried) May 28, 1984. President Ronald Reagan presided. The remains of the Vietnam Unknown were disinterred (dug up), under the authority of President Bill Clinton, on May 14, 1998, and were identified as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Sa m ple file
J. Blassie, whose family had him reinterred (reburied) near their home in St. Louis Missouri. It has been determined that the crypt at the Tomb of the Unknowns that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain empty. file The Tomb of the Unknowns has been perpetually guarded since July 2, 1937, by the U.S. Army. The 3rd U.S. Infantry ("The Old Guard") began guarding the Tomb April 6, 1948. Sa m ple During the Veterans Day ceremony... The President or his representative places a wreath at the Tomb and a bugler sounds Taps. The balance of the ceremony, including a "Parade of Flags" by numerous Veterans service organizations, takes place inside the Memorial Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb. The focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day continues to be the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the
Sa m ple file Unknowns. At 11 a.m. on November 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes Present Arms at the tomb. The nation s tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays taps. The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater. Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington and elsewhere are coordinated by the President s Veterans Day National Committee. Chaired by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the committee represents national veterans organizations. Governors of many states and U.S. territories appoint Veterans Day chairpersons who, in cooperation with the National Committee and the Department of Defense, arrange and promote local ceremonies. The Presidential Wreath At The Tomb of The Unknowns
Sa m ple file What is Taps? "Taps" is a famous musical piece, sounded by the U.S. military nightly to indicate that it is "lights out". The tune is also sometimes known as "Butterfield's Lullaby ", or by the lyrics of its second verse, "Day is Done". It is also played during flag ceremonies and funerals, generally on bugle or trumpet. The tune is actually a variation of an earlier bugle call known as the "Scott Tatoo" which was used in the U.S. from 1835 until 1860, and was arranged in its present form by the Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Daniel Butterfield Butterfield and American Civil War general who commanded the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division in the V Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac while at Harrison's Landing, Virginia, while at in July 1862 to replace a previous French bugle call used to signal "lights out." Butterfield's bugler, Oliver W. Norton, of Erie, Pennsylvania, was the first
to sound the new call. Within months, Taps was used by both Union and Confederate forces. The original version was purely instrumental, but there have been several later lyrics added. The first, written by Horace Lorenzo Trim, is shown below: m ple file Fading light dims the sight And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright From afar drawing nigh, Falls the night. Sa Day is done, gone the sun From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies All is well, safely rest; God is nigh. Then goodnight, peaceful night; Till the light of the dawn shineth bright. God is near, do not fear, Friend, goodnight.
Sa m ple file So what is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. But Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to
Sa m ple file acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died have sacrificed and done their duty. To ensure the sacrifices of America s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law The National Moment of Remembrance Act, P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission s charter is to encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
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America's Wars The American Revolutionary War Soldiers that fought: 380,000 Soldiers that died: 37,500 (10,000 were British) The War of 1812 Soldiers that fought: 117,440 Soldiers that died: 29,500 (5,000 were British) The Mexican American War U.S. soldiers that fought: 78,700 U.S. soldiers that died: 16,000 The Civil War U.S. soldiers that fought: 3.5-4,000,000 (Confederate and Union) U.S. soldiers that died: 618,000 (Confederate and Union)
The Spanish-American War U.S. soldiers that fought: 300,000 U.S. soldiers that died: 4,571 World War I Total soldiers worldwide: 4,794,991 Total soldiers that died worldwide: 116,516 World War II Total soldiers worldwide: 16,112,566 Total soldiers that died worldwide: 405,399 The Korean War Total soldiers worldwide: 5,720,000 Total soldiers that died worldwide: 54,246
The Vietnam War Total soldiers worldwide: 8,744,000 Total soldiers that died worldwide: 90,220 The Gulf War Total soldiers worldwide: 2,322,000 Total soldiers that died worldwide: 1,972 The War on Terror U.S. soldiers: 46,889 Total soldiers that died: 5,759
America's Wars Directions: For cards and pocket. Cut out cards. Next cut out above pocket. Fold in half and lightly glue the sides but not the top to make a pocket for your cards. When dry store cards inside pocket.
Did you know? Disney in War An important factor ensuring America s ultimate victory over the Axis Powers in World War II was the overwhelming and unwavering support of the Home Front. Contributing much to creating and maintaining that Home Front support were Walt Disney films. Meanwhile, morale-boosting Disneydesigned insignia that soon appeared on planes, trucks, flight jackets, and other military equipment accomplished the same for American and Allied forces. Bonus Section! Hal Olsen, a professional nose artist, paints "The Ruptured Duck" on the nose of a B-25B bomber at the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, Hawaii, to commemorate the historical aircraft's exhibit. Olsen, every branch of the U.S. a retired naval aviation mechanic, started his art career more than 60 government. Typical of the years ago during World War II. U.S. Navy photo.
During the war Disney made films for every branch of the U.S. government. Typical of the films was the 1943 The Spirit of 43, produced at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau, Jr. The film depicted Donald Duck dealing with federal income taxes and pointing out the benefit of paying his taxes in support of the American war effort. At the Navy s request, the Disney Studios also produced, in just three months, some 90,000 feet of training film to educate sailors on navigation tactics. Disney animators also worked closely with Hollywood producer Frank Capra and created what many consider to be the most brilliant animated maps to appear in a series of seven highly successful Why We Fight films. During the war, over 90 percent of Disney employees were devoted to the production of training and propaganda films. In all, the Disney Studios produced some 400,000 feet of film representing some 68 hours of continuous film. Included among the films produced was
Der Fuehrer s Face, again featuring Donald Duck. It won the Oscar as the best animated film for 1943. Perhaps the importance of the Disney Studios to the war effort is best demonstrated by the fact that the U.S. Army deployed troops to protect the facilities, the only Hollywood studio accorded such treatment. During World War I, while serving as a Red Cross ambulance driver, Walt Disney embellished his ambulance and other vehicles with drawings and cartoon figures. Thus, he came to appreciate the importance of humorous insignia to unit morale and esprit-de-corps. ( Morale is a state of individual psychological well-being based upon a sense of confidence and usefulness and purpose. Esprit de corps is the spirit of a group that makes the members want the group to succeed.)
It is not surprising, therefore, that during World War II Disney artists often used their talents to design military insignia and emblems. For example, in 1942 the Navy asked Disney to design an emblem appropriate for its new fleet of Navy torpedo boats known as mosquito boats. In response, Disney provided its famous emblem of a mosquito riding a torpedo, which soon adorned all of the newly constructed PT boats. At the request of the China Defense Supplies organization, the Disney Studios also designed a winged tiger flying through a large V for victory for the world famous Flying Tigers. By war s end, the Disney Studios had produced over 1,200 insignias for both the U.S. Army and Navy, as well as Allied units, without ever charging a fee. Shoulder Sleeve insignia of the Womens Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, later called the Womens Army Service Pilots. The patch depicts the Walt Disney Studios designed Fifinella, coming in for a landing.
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." Dan Lipinski " This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." Elmer Davis
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." - Dan Lipinski " This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." - Dan Lipinski " This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." - Dan Lipinski " This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew
our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who
have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." - Dan Lipinski
" This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
- Elmer Davis
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred
obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." - Dan Lipinski
" This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis
"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to
our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free." - Dan Lipinski
" This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis
Veterans Day Optional Questions 1. What is Veterans Day? 2. What is a veteran? 3. What day is Veterans Day observed? 4. What does armistice mean?
5. When was the first celebration using the term Veterans Day? 6. Who signed HR 7786 changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day? 7. What is Taps? 8. What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Find your way through the maze.