Veterans Day

Introduction:

In America, we have many freedoms and rights that have been hard won.  We owe our present standard of life to the men and women who have fought for our country throughout its history.  One way we do this is through Veterans Day, which is celebrated every year in the month of November. 

 

Task:

So how else do we honor the Veterans that protect our country and make it what it is today?  What monuments exist around the country?  What ceremonies can you think of that show our appreciation to war veterans?

 

After you learn about Veterans Day, you will be on a committee to design a new memorial to Veterans in our community.  You will have to consider the purpose of your monument, what it will look like, and incorporate symbolism. 

 

Process:

Today you are going to learn about veterans and Veterans Day through exploring various websites.  You will be given today’s class to investigate the websites and answer some guiding questions.  I will also be around to answer questions.

 

Tomorrow you will start to work with your table or “committee” to design the new Veterans Memorial in Harrison. 

 

Resources:

Please explore the following websites and answer the guiding questions below.  Consider how the information you find could be incorporated into your monument.

 

1. Frequently Asked Questions on Veterans Day
http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.htm

This website explains the basics about Veterans Day.  When did Veterans Day originate?  What was its original name?  Why did it change?  What is the significance of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month? 

 

2. Department of Veterans Affairs

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

Included on this website is an excellent photo gallery from the National Recognition Ceremony for Veterans Day.  What details do you notice about formal national ceremonies?  Pay attention to uniforms, flags, and notable people in attendance. 

 

3. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm

This is one of the most well-known veterans’ memorials in the USA.  What do you notice about the style of the monument?  Make 3 observations.  What wars does the tomb represent? 

 

4. American Battle Monuments Commission

http://www.abmc.gov/

There are many other veterans’ memorials all around the US.  Explore this website to investigate various other American war memorials.  Chose 2 and give specific details about location and what war(s) they represent.  Note any style inspirations you might use for your own memorial design.

 

5. “In Flanders Field” and Other Poems

http://www.geocities.com/~bblair/fland1.htm#P1

This site includes a very famous poem that is frequently read or referred to on Veterans Day.  Read the poem.  What do you think is the main message?  How could literature like this play a part in your monument?

 

6. Veterans Day Poster Gallery

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/gallery.htm

This is a gallery of Veterans Day posters as published by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Explore the posters from past to present.  What symbols, colors, etc. do you notice appearing frequently?  Consider these design elements in your memorial design. 

 

7. Buddy Poppy

http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.levelc&cid=127

This website explains a popular symbol associated with veterans Day- the poppy.  Why do poppies symbolize Veterans Day?  Think about other symbols do you know that might represent veterans of war.

 

8. Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation

http://www.vietnamwomensmemorial.org/intro.html

There are various monuments in our country that are dedicated to specific groups of people or nationalities.  For instance, this website honors the women who served in Vietnam.  Watch the opening video clip.  What does it make you think about the role of women in war?  What recognition should women get?  Consider this in planning those who your monument will represent.

 

Evaluation:

When you are done researching aspects of Veterans Day, I will collect your worksheet and look at your answers as well as your notes for tomorrow’s design session.

 

Tomorrow your “committee’s” design will be evaluated based on the specifics that you include.  I will check:

            -the purpose of your monument

            -the design elements, materials, location

            -symbolism which shows evidence of research

The winning design will also receive five bonus points on this assignment for all of the committee members.