Children's Activities for Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day honors the memory of fallen soldiers.

Remembrance Day sets aside a time for honoring the memory of those who died in battle. The date, Nov. 11, reminds participants of the day the armistice ending World War I was signed in 1918. Although renamed Veterans Day in the United States, countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada continue to observe the date as Remembrance Day. The honorees include any service member who died in any conflict on behalf of his country. Children can join the event in an age-appropriate activity.

Projects with Poppies

Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote about the poppy in his poem "In Flanders Fields."

Use the image of a poppy in commemoration of fallen military personnel. Print out a poppy coloring page or create paper poppies in honor of Remembrance Day. Use the results to decorate the classroom or distribute in the community. Share "In Flanders Fields" by Lt. Col. John McCrae (see Resources) with older children in an oral presentation and discuss students' reactions to the verse.

Posters

Hold a contest for posters on the theme of remembering military personnel. Let each artist describe the idea behind the poster he drew. Use the posters as a springboard for discussion about the importance of thanking veterans for their service. Consider donating the posters to a veterans' hospital or home after the contest.

Veterans' Stories

Veterans can relate stories about life in the military.

Have each child talk to a military veteran in the family or neighborhood and write a report on the conversation. Let each student read the resulting report aloud; follow the readings with a discussion of the cost of freedom. If possible, invite a veteran or current service member to visit the class to answer questions from the children.

Honor the Fallen

The members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars follow the credo, "honoring the dead by helping the living." Follow that example by performing some form of service for veterans. Send cards to military personnel on active duty; gather small personal care items for distribution to patients in a Veterans Administration hospital; clean up the grounds around a veterans' memorial or help an elderly veteran or survivor with chores. Ask students for the names of veterans they know who might benefit from some help.

Participate in Community Events

Look for opportunities for children to participate in scheduled community Remembrance Day events. Attend a memorial parade or hold one of your own in the classroom or schoolyard if none is scheduled nearby. Check with local veterans organizations about attending one of their ceremonies or inviting them to stage one at your school. Encourage participation in writing contests about Remembrance Day.

References

• The Color: Remembrance Day Online coloring pages
• Kaboose: Coffee Filter Poppy Flower
• Veterans of Foreign Wars: Celebrating VFW Day
• A Global World: Canada Observes Remembrance Day

Resources

• Arlington National Cemetery: Lt. Col. John McCrae: In Flanders Fields