Veterans Day is coming soon, and the importance and meaning of this day is something that should be shared with your children.
History of Veterans Day
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. 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. 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 officially proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982.
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). Visit 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.
- Attend a Veterans Day parade.
- Nolensville Veterans Day Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Nolensville Road, Nolensville Historic District - Franklin Veterans Day Parade
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Main Street, Downtown Franklin -
Hendersonville Veterans Day Parade
Date & Time: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at noon
Location: Main Street, Hendersonville -
Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Downtown Main Street, Murfreesboro -
La Vergne Veterans Day Ceremony
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: La Vergne City Hall, 5093 Murfreesboro Rd.- Purchase a Freedom Field Flag. 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 La Vergne 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.
- Purchase 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. The cost of a brick is $35 and you may select up to 4 lines, with 21 characters per line (including spaces and symbols). 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.
- TVHS Veterans Day Parade
Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, Murfreesboro - Wilson County Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Veteran’s Plaza, East Main Street, Lebanon
- Nolensville Veterans Day Parade
- 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.
- 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.
- Grant a wish. Help a veteran’s long lost dream come true through Twilight Wish. Whether it’s a Simple Needs Wish (a wheelchair), a Living Life to the Fullest Wish (attending a ball game), or a Celebrating a Life Wish (visiting your hometown one more time), you can help make any number of dreams come true.
*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 8, 2026. Advance reservations are not required.
