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Our Nation’s Heroes A Veterans Day Mini Book for Grades 3-5 By Melissa Shutler
Melissa Shutler ©2013
Our Nation’s Heroes
A Veterans Day Mini Book for Grades 3-5
By Melissa Shutler
Melissa Shutler ©2013
Heroes of the U.S.A.
Name _______________________
Veterans are people who have served in the military in times of war or peace.
Veterans have served in one of the branches below.
Branch Duties
Army
The oldest and largest branch of the military, the Army protects the
security of the United States and its resources using ground troops. They
have the largest helicopter wing of all the services.
Marine
Corps
Marines are trained to fight by sea and land. The Marine Corps is often
first on the ground in combat situations. The Marines are supported by
the Navy as they do not have medical personnel.
Navy
The Navy defends our rights to use the oceans for travel and trade.
They operate Air Force carriers to provide a runway at sea for aircraft.
Navy SEALS are among the most elite warriors.
Air
Force
The Air Force protects America’s interest in the air, space, and
cyberspace. They operate fighter aircraft and helicopters. The Air
Force provides air support during ground missions.
Coast
Guard
The Coast Guard protects America’s coasts and waterways and
deploys with the Navy during wars. During times of peace, they deal
with boat safety, sea rescues, and illegal immigration by sea.
Melissa Shutler ©2013
The History of Veterans Day
World War I ended on November 11, 1918. This day was
called Armistice Day. Armistice is an agreement made
by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting. It was a
celebration of “the War to end all Wars”.
In 1921, an unknown soldier from World War I was
buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,
Virginia. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier became a
place to show respect and thanks for America’s veterans.
Unfortunately, World War I was not the War to end all
Wars.
Wars of the 20th and 21st Centuries
Name of War Years Location World War I 1914-1918 The Atlantic Ocean and Europe
World War II 1939-1945 Europe, Asia, Australia, Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans
Korean War 1950-1953 North and South Korea
Vietnam War 1954-1975 Southeast Asia
Persian Gulf War 1990-1991 Iraq and Kuwait
War in Afghanistan 2001-today Afghanistan
Iraq War 2003-2011 Iraq
Melissa Shutler ©2013
More History of Veterans Day
Only a few years after Armistice Day officially received its
name, World War II broke out in Europe. 16.5 million
Americans fought in this war, and over 407,000 of them
died.
President Eisenhower realized that there were
more veterans to honor besides those who fought in
World War I. So in 1954, a year after the end of the Korean
War, he proclaimed November 11 as Veterans Day.
More unidentified servicemen were buried near the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier. To honor these men and to symbolize
all Americans who gave their lives in the wars, an Army
honor guard keeps watch over the tomb day and night.
Veterans are heroes who fight for our freedom every day! Show them
your appreciation!
□ Do you know a veteran? Thank them!
□ Write a letter to a veteran. Go here to find out how:
http://www.operationgratitude.com/get-involved/write-letters/
Melissa Shutler ©2013
Name _________________________ Date ______________
Thank you, American Hero!
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Melissa Shutler ©2013
Name _________________________ Date ______________
My Timeline of Veterans Day Create a timeline to show what you learned about the history of Veterans Day.
Melissa Shutler ©2013
Dedicated to my favorite veteran, my dad, a
member of the Army who fought in the Korean
War and earned a Medal of Honor
Thank you for your download!
Visit my store for more materials for grades 3-5!
www.teacherspayteachers/MelissaShutler
Credits:
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