Veterans Day is coming soon, and the importance and meaning of this day is something that should be shared with your children. Most families have or know someone that has served or is serving in the military.
The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day,” which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Why Nov. 11? It’s the day that signifies the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when World War I ended.
Veterans Day is personal to me because both of my grandfathers served in World War II. I still remember a large, antique chest hidden away in my grandfather’s basement that held all of his memorabilia from his time serving, including love letters he sent to my grandmother. Both of my grandfathers were proud to have been able to serve their country. They have both passed, but anytime this day nears, I reflect on their bravery and the courage all veterans found within themselves to serve their country in such a meaningful way.
We have gathered some ways to help you honor and celebrate those who fought and continue to serve for us!
- Remember why we celebrate: Teach them the history of how and why Veterans Day was created.
- Thank a veteran: Create a card, letter or poster. You can find out how to send a letter via A Million Thanks. Also, there are many craft ideas here. Crayola has coloring sheets!
- Take a tour of war memorials (virtually or in person). Locally, we have the World War II Memorial at Bicentennial Park, the War Memorial Building, or battlefields in Franklin and Murfreesboro. Laying a wreath on a grave is a beautiful way to honor those soldiers.
- There is a Veterans Day parade in downtown Nolensville on Saturday, November 8th at 11am. The parade begins at Rolling Hills Community Church and will proceed straight down Nolensville Road, through The Historic District, and ending on Nolensville Park Road.
- The City of Franklin will remember and honor all veterans at its Veterans’ Day Parade being held in Downtown Franklin on November 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. The parade is a joint effort of the City and local radio station WAKM AM-950. The parade route travels down Main Street, from Five Points to Second Avenue. JROTC units and/or marching bands from Williamson County high schools will participate. The Franklin Special School District will also send a large group of students to show their appreciation to veterans. The Parade begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. at West Main and Fifth Avenue. Prior to the parade, a reception will be held at the Williamson County Archives from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. for local veterans and their families.
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The VFW and VVA chapters of Hendersonville, TN will host their annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, 9th 2025 at 2 PM. The parade begins at the corner of Main Street and Cherokee Drive, proceeds down Main Street to Executive Park Drive and disbands in Imperial Square. Everyone is invited to march in the parade including Veteran organizations, civic organizations, churches, school groups, car club, military re-enactor groups, and anyone that wants to honor the over 11,000 veterans in Sumner County. Parade units will form up in the Drakes Creek Park football parking lot starting at 12 PM.
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You are cordially invited to participate in the Veterans Day Parade to be held on the grounds of the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Alvin C. York Campus, 3400 Lebanon Rd., Murfreesboro on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The parade is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. with pre-parade entertainment starting at 10:00 a.m. Help them honor America’s Veterans by cheering on local high school bands, high school JROTCS, car caravans, and several floats. Pre-parade festivities include community fun, live entertainment, and local food vendors. We hope to see you there!
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In honor of the veterans who have served in the armed forces, the City of La Vergne will be holding its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11th in the boardroom at City Hall, 5093 Murfreesboro Road. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. There will be speakers and time spent honoring and thanking military veterans. The Parks department is offering two ways to honor your veteran.
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Freedom Field Flags – Flags can be purchased for $10 to honor your veteran. The flag will be a 3’ x 5’ American flag attached to a 6 ft. pole that will also display your veteran’s information. The flags can be purchased thru the Parks Department. Flags are limited. The flags will be put on display, and they will be yours to take home after the conclusion of the ceremony.
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Memorial Bricks- Bricks can be purchased for display on our Veterans Memorial Wall. The wall is a permanent commemorative display that is lined with bricks engraved with the names of honored men and women who have served our great country.
Anyone who has served honorably in the armed forces or is currently on active duty is eligible to be put on the wall. The cost of a brick is $35 and you may select up to 4 lines, with 21 characters per line (including spaces and symbols). If you need assistance finding a Veteran’s military information, please use the link provided on the City’s website below to submit form SF180 to the National Personnel Records Center.
To order a brick visit https://www.lavergnetn.gov/199/Buy-a-Brick to fill out the online form or download a form that can be dropped off at La Vergne Parks and Recreation located at 294 Sand Hill Road.
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- The Dickson Veterans Day Parade is Sunday, November 19, 2025 at 1 pm.
- Read a book together about veterans and our military. Here is a great list and resource of friendly books!
- Participate in Greenlight a Vet! By replacing a light in your home with a green light bulb, perhaps in your child’s room or on your front porch, you are demonstrating your acknowledgment and appreciation of the service of our veterans.
- Invite a veteran or active member of the military to a meal. Many restaurants offer free or discounted meals to veterans, such as Applebee’s, Mission BBQ, Bob Evans, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chilis, Dunkin Donuts, Texas Roadhouse, and others. Share a meal with a veteran you know.
- In gratitude for the commitment, bravery and sacrifices made by those who serve our country, Nashville Zoo and Regions Bank invite active military personnel, military veterans and their immediate families to receive free admission during Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 9th. Advance reservations are not required.
- Send care packages. Have your kids create care packages for veterans or those currently serving in the military. Items such as socks, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant, but also sending puzzles, board games or other fun activities is a great idea, too. Check out Create the Change for ways to send packages to veterans and troops.
