Everyone is all excited for 11-11-11. I’m not sure why. It’s three of the same number, get over it people.
What we should be remembering is that 11-11 is Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is near and dear to my heart, and not just because I get to share my bed with one every now and again, but because it is important to make sure our little ones grasp just how important service to our country is. Veterans Day gives us the chance to stop, reflect and say thank you.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the world has hit their douchebag quota and darn if I’m going to raise three more to add to the lot. That being said, do I think folks who don’t take a minute to appreciate service members are douche bags?
Yes. Yes I do.
I want to raise my kids to understand, to really understand, the sacrifice and commitment it takes to step up and serve our country.
So on the first day of school, way back in September, I did what any neurotic prek mom does, I asked Dash2′s teacher if I could come in to do something for Veterans Day with the kids. Two months in advance. Hey, I wanted to beat the rush! Then again, we are the only military family at the school, so I figured I was pretty safe claiming the day early.
But then I received an email that was just perfect! The “Art for Wounded Warriors” run by the National Museum for the Marine Corps, which I visited with my lovely cousin and it was a great museum, however it was lacking a replica of a c-130, but it did have an actual Tun Tavern. They are looking for young artists to submit their artwork to decorate recovery facilities and lift the spirits of wounded Marines, with the help of the Wounded Warrior Regiment and they will help distribute artwork to hospitals coast to coast.
Get your kids involved! Get their classes involved! Get your church or community organizations involved!
Get involved people!
Dash-2′s class is going to be making patriotic pictures, stars and flags. Lots of red, white, and blue paint, and OF COURSE GLITTER!
Lots. of. Glitter.
It doesn’t have to be a Picasso or a Rembrandt, simply something that says “Thank You” and we remember you for your service.
This is the part where I’m here to nudge you guys to do the same thing…. Here are the details if you want to participate:
Children who wish to participate should create a picture and write a supportive message on an 8 ½” x 11” piece of paper. Artists should also write their name, hometown and grade level on the back of their pictures. The Museum will accept drawings, paintings or colorings from children of all ages and abilities.
All works of art must be submitted in a flat, rigid envelope postmarked by December 10, 2011. Artwork becomes the property of the Museum and cannot be returned.
Mail all submissions to:
The National Museum of the Marine Corps
Attn: Teacher- in- Residence
18900 Jefferson Davis Highway
Triangle, VA 22172-1938
If you already have something planned for Veterans Day, please, leave a comment and share your ideas with us.
About Leanne {The Mrs.}
Comments
Thanks! Great idea for our Cub Scouts Tiger Den!
Just wanted to say, this was a great idea! I don't have any school age kids anymore, but my sister does and I passed this info on to her. She then shared it with her child's teacher, who of course, also thought it was a great idea! They are now going to have the entire school participate!! Pre-K thru 12th grade, how awesome!! My sister also said she was going to pass this info onto her son's Cub Scout troop and see if they might also be interested in participating! Thanks for passing this info on!
Thank you so much for posting this. We sent some last year, but I couldn't find the information again for this year.
As for Veteran Day celebrations, I've been trying to make it a more meaningful holiday for our family. We'll display our flag, do artwork as requested by you (*grin*), write a letter to a friend's daughter serving in Afghanistan, and attempt a few recipes. Salvation Army WWI doughnuts in honor of the original Armistice Day for breakfast; a rendition of Minced Beef in honor of Grandpa Jack's service in the Navy during WWII (and his volunteer service on Bikini Island); maybe oatmeal cookies from "Best Wartime Recipes" from Royal Baking Powder Co in 1918; and my grandmother's Chicken-Noodle-Potato in honor of her birthday (11/11/19) and her service as a military spouse.
My family's gratitude to your family, and the families of the other Spouses whose loved ones, sons, and daughters are currently serving or have served!!
Great idea. I have forwarded the information to my daughter who is serving with the US Army in Afghanistan, asking her to share it with any soldiers who may have children they can share it with.