Every November, public schools in Washington state take part in educational activities in observance of Veterans Day.

Originally known as Armistice Day in the United States, and remains so in other countries, the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month is when the Armistice was signed in 1918 ending World War 1. Soldiers stopped fighting and laid down their arms. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in the U.S.

Generally held the week prior to the Veterans Day federal holiday on November 11, assemblies often include student-led presentations and performances, visits by veterans who speak to their experience, and heartfelt art projects showing gratitude for service.

Veterans Day assemblies are an opportunity for students at all levels to honor our veterans, expand leadership skills and engage with community outside of school. The following are a few specific examples of activities in our schools.

In Bellingham High’s Veterans Day assembly, three female veterans took part in an onstage panel. BHS students asked pre-selected questions of guests Elizabeth Witowski of the US Army and a Westpoint graduate, Lynne Graham of the US Air Force, and Jessi Border of the US Air Force and also a BHS parent. Questions included: What was a defining moment during your time in the military? When did you first think about serving? Who is someone that inspired you in service? and How do you feel your experience was different from your male counterparts? 

To mark the day musically, the BHS chamber orchestra played the National Anthem and “The Patriot” by John Williams.

As part of the Squalicum High commemoration of Veterans Day, students and staff viewed a variety of documentaries on the history and importance of honoring our veterans, the impact of women and minorities in the military, and in depth look at D-Day and Vietnam. Then, students had the opportunity to engage in discussion questions about family/friends who served in the military, the structure and future of the military, and ways to honor veterans.

In the days leading up to Veterans Day this year, students and staff honored individual veterans, past and present, by adding stars to a Veterans Flag of Appreciation. The large flag, with more than 500 stars attached, and posters of appreciation, were presented to local VFW members. Post Commander Jesse Atkins and President of the Auxiliary of VFW Post 1585 Cindy Mellema accepted these items and shared their stories.

At Roosevelt Elementary School, the student-led presentation included poignant questions and important references to those who have served. Some presentation slides included references to Filipino Americans who wore the uniform in previous wars.

At Wade King Elementary School, veterans visited with students and shared stories while Sunny, the school’s emotional support dog, showed his own affection and appreciation during the visit.

Sound bites

From Jessi Border, United States Air Force veteran:

“I was very impressed by all of the students in the audience. Everyone was quiet, listening and looking at us the whole time. I felt very welcomed and able to share my thoughts/experiences freely. It was also really cool for me to see my own daughter in the audience.

I was also impressed by the questions they came up with and how they delivered them. Very professional but also welcoming. You can tell there was a lot of thought behind them and they were truly interested in our experiences.

The overall experience I had with all the students gives me hope for the future. Well behaved, respectful and active listeners. These qualities will go a long way for them.”