Honoring Our Heroes: Teacher Script

Introduction: What is a Hero? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought. When you hear the word 'hero,' what comes to your mind? What does a hero look like? What do they do?"

Teacher: "Those are some great ideas! We often think of superheroes with capes, right? But what about everyday heroes? People who are brave, strong, and helpful in real life? Today, we're going to talk about a very special kind of real-life hero: the men and women who serve our country. We're going to learn about a special day called Veterans Day."

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 1 and 2)

Understanding Veterans Day (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Veterans Day is a national holiday, which means it's a day that our whole country celebrates. It happens every year on November 11th. It's a day when we honor and thank all the brave people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. These are the people in our military—our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force—who work to keep our country safe and protect our freedoms."

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 3)

Teacher: "Veterans Day actually has a really interesting history. It used to be called 'Armistice Day.' Does anyone know what an 'armistice' is?"

Teacher: "An armistice is like a special agreement to stop fighting in a war. Armistice Day was first celebrated to mark the end of World War I, which ended on November 11th, 1918. It was a day to celebrate peace. But over time, our country realized that we should honor all the people who have served, not just in one war. So, in 1954, it was officially changed to Veterans Day to honor all American veterans from all wars and all times of service."

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 4)

Teacher: "Now, sometimes people get Veterans Day confused with Memorial Day. They're both very important days, but they celebrate different things. Can anyone tell me what Memorial Day is for?"

Teacher: "That's right! On Memorial Day, which is in May, we honor military members who died while serving our country. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all military veterans, whether they are still with us or have passed away. It's a day to say 'thank you' to everyone who has worn a uniform for our country."

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 5)

Teacher: "Let's quickly look at the different branches of the U.S. Military. Each branch has a very important job in protecting our country."

Briefly go through each branch, giving a simple description.

Teacher: "Does anyone know someone who has served in one of these branches? Or maybe you've seen pictures or videos of what they do?"

Who are Veterans and Why We Thank Them (10 minutes)

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 6)

Teacher: "So, what exactly do veterans do? When someone joins the military, they agree to serve our country. This means they help protect our freedom and our way of life. They work to keep us safe, sometimes right here at home, and sometimes far away in other parts of the world. It takes a lot of courage and dedication to do this job."

Teacher: "Many veterans also make sacrifices. This means they might have to leave their families for a long time, or they might be in dangerous situations. They put their country first. It's a huge commitment."

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 7)

Teacher: "What's amazing is that after their military service, many veterans continue to be heroes in their communities! They often become teachers, doctors, firefighters, police officers, and many other important roles. They bring all the skills and dedication they learned in the military to help make our towns and cities better places. Their service doesn't stop when they take off their uniform."

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 8)

Teacher: "So, knowing all of this, why do you think it's important for us to thank veterans? How does saying 'thank you' make a difference?"

Teacher: "You're absolutely right! A simple 'thank you' can mean so much. It shows them that we appreciate their hard work and sacrifices. Here are some simple ways we can show our gratitude: we can say 'Thank You for your service,' write a letter, draw a picture, or even participate in local events that honor veterans. Every little act of kindness and recognition truly matters."

Reflection Activity & Wrap-up (5 minutes)

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 9)

Teacher: "Veterans Day is a time to really think about and appreciate the brave men and women who have served our nation. Their courage and dedication help make our country strong and free. Let's always remember to honor and thank them."

(Distribute Reflection Activity worksheet)

(Display Veterans Day Slide Deck - Slide 10)

Teacher: "Now, I'm going to hand out a short reflection activity. On this worksheet, I'd like you to write or draw one thing you learned today about Veterans Day or one way you can show your appreciation to a veteran. Take about 3 minutes to complete it, and then we'll share a few ideas as a class."

Allow students time to complete the activity. Provide assistance as needed.

Teacher: "Okay, who would like to share what they wrote or drew?"

Call on a few students to share.

Teacher: "Excellent job, everyone! Remember, every day is a good day to appreciate the heroes among us, especially our veterans. Thank you for participating in our lesson today!"

Veterans Day Reflection Activity

Name: ____________________________

Part 1: What did you learn?

1. What is Veterans Day? (Circle the best answer)
   a) A day to celebrate birthdays
   b) A day to honor all people who served in the U.S. military
   c) A day for summer vacation

2. Can you name one branch of the U.S. Military?
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Show your Appreciation

3. In your own words, why is it important to thank veterans?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Draw a picture or write a short message showing how you can thank a veteran. You can draw a card, a symbol of appreciation, or a person saying thank you.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Veterans Day Reflection Activity Answer Key

Part 1: What did you learn?

1. What is Veterans Day? (Circle the best answer)
   a) A day to celebrate birthdays
   b) A day to honor all people who served in the U.S. military
   c) A day for summer vacation

2. Can you name one branch of the U.S. Military?
   Possible answers include: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force.
   Students only need to name one for full credit.

Part 2: Show your Appreciation

3. In your own words, why is it important to thank veterans?
   *Student responses may vary but should convey understanding that thanking veterans shows appreciation for their sacrifices, service, and dedication to protecting our country and freedoms. Examples include: "It's important to thank veterans because they kept us safe," or "They left their families to help our country."

4. Draw a picture or write a short message showing how you can thank a veteran. You can draw a card, a symbol of appreciation, or a person saying thank you.
   Student responses will vary. Look for sincerity and effort in their drawing or message, reflecting an understanding of gratitude towards veterans.