What is Veterans Day?
Not all heroes wear capes
What Makes a Hero?
- An American holiday on November 11 to celebrate and appreciate all veterans that have fought for America's freedom
- Formerly called Armistice Day, until 1954 when it was declared a national holiday by President Eisenhower
Who are veterans?
1. Courage
- "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." -Nelson Mandela
2. Selflessness
- Putting others first without expecting anything in return
3. Loyalty
- Being faithful and committed to any given task
4. Humility
5. Perseverance
- Never giving up, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable something may be
- A veteran is any man or woman that has served in the military (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard) and is still alive today
Meet Chris and Steele
Sample Thank You Letter
- Chris served in the U.S. Army for 8 years
- Deployed twice in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Stationed in Colorado and Hawaii
- Drove humvees and trucks as an 88M
- Suffered from 2 major head injuries
- He is now home safely from war
- Has a service dog named Steele to help him function outside of combat
Dear Chris/Dear Soldier,
My name is _____ and I am in fourth grade at Portola
Springs Elementary School. My class is learning about American heroes to honor veterans who have served our country. Even though we have never met, I want you to know that you are a true hero and I look up to you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for your selfless sacrifices and bravery to keep our country free. I appreciate you and will be thinking of you this Veterans Day.
Gratefully/Sincerely/Your Friend/All the Best/Thinking of You,
________ (your name)