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Teaching about Veterans Day offers a chance to help students move beyond facts and dates to explore the human stories behind service and sacrifice. Britannica’s trusted resources and ready-to-teach materials equip educators with historical context, inquiry-based activities, and opportunities for meaningful reflection that bring those stories to life.
Whether you’re introducing the origins of the holiday or helping students connect with veterans’ experiences, these resources bring depth, accuracy, and empathy to your classroom discussions.
Teaching the History Behind Veterans Day
Did you know that Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day? First observed in 1919, it marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1954, the observance was renamed Veterans Day to honor all who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Today, ceremonies across the country pay tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of generations of veterans.
Download our interactive resource, Meet the United States Military, to help students connect the origins of Veterans Day to the ongoing legacy of service in our nation.
Help Students Dig Deeper
We’ve selected a few of our favorite resources that encourage students to think critically, make personal connections, and spark meaningful discussion. These instructional strategies foster reflection on service, sacrifice, and citizenship through inquiry-based activities and connections to primary sources.
Cause and Effect Strategy
Grades K–12
Reinforce historical thinking by tracing how conflicts shape national and individual identities.
Talking Points Strategy
Grades 3–12
Hold structured conversations that build respect and understanding, reflecting the values of service and remembrance.
Critical Event Analysis Strategy
Grades 6–12
Encourage deep examination of key military events and their human impact, fostering empathy and understanding of veterans’ experiences.
Spotlight on Veterans
Looking for ready-to-use tools to spark classroom discussion? These curated resources make it simple to highlight the lives of those who have served in the military.
In the News!
Navajo Code Talker Dies at 107
John Kinsel, Sr., who was a Navajo code talker during World War II, died in 2024.
Downloadable
Notable U.S. Wars
Uncover the impact of the conflicts that have shaped the nation, from its formation during the Revolutionary War to the more modern involvement in the Persian Gulf.
Activity
See-Think-Wonder for Media Literacy
See
Think
Wonder
Honoring Service, Fostering Understanding
Veterans Day offers students an opportunity to connect history with humanity—to see that behind every uniform is a story of courage, family, and sacrifice. With Britannica’s trusted content and classroom-ready strategies, you can help your students engage deeply with those stories and the values they represent.
From tips and tricks to engaging activities, find attention-grabbing content for tomorrow’s lesson in the Britannica Education Newsletter.
About the Author
Kristie Bangali
Curriculum & Instruction Learning Specialist
Kristie, a Curriculum Learning Specialist at Britannica Education, has over 20 years of experience in pedagogy and curriculum development. She specializes in aligning educational content with academic standards and adapting to diverse student needs. Kristie’s proficiency with digital learning platforms was pivotal during the Covid-19 pandemic, earning her the 2020 LHRIC TELL Award and 2021 Teacher of the Year. She authored a chapter in “Gamify Literacy: Boost Collaboration and Learning,” published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), showcasing her innovative approach in education. Her impact extends beyond direct teaching, influencing the broader educational landscape.
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From tips and tricks to engaging activities, find
attention-grabbing content for tomorrow’s lesson.