November 11th, Veterans Day in the USA       

It is a legal holiday and a day to remember and honor all those Americans who served in the Armed Forces and particularly those who fought during the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  People also remember those soldiers missing in action.  This day reminds people of the courage and patriotism of all men and women who serve their country.

Veterans Day is observed in special programs or in church services. Services are held at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.  There are wreath-laying ceremonies at ware monuments and cemeteries throughout the nation.

It is a day when many people visit famous memorials, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorials in Washington and in New York and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington. Veterans groups organize barbecues, picnics, and dances.  Store sales are very popular on this day.

Background

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day so Americans would not forget the tragedies of war.  Great Britain and France celebrate this day to commemorate the end of fighting of World War I on November 11th, 1918.  On November 11th, the body of an American soldier killed in War I was buried in the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C.  On the tomb are these words:  “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

A law enacted in 1938 made the day a federal holiday.  In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all United States veterans.  It is also a day dedicated to world peace.

Test  Tasks

Match words or phrases of similar meanings.

  1.  remember                      
  2. to enact                           
  3. courage                           
  4. missing                           
  5. to observe a holiday          
  6. to bury                            
  7. to be dedicated              
  8. to honor                          
  9. to serve
  10. ceremony 

a. no fear; valor; bravery

b. to celebrate

c. to place a dead person in a grave

d. to think of somebody or something; to be reminded

e. to make official or legal

f. a formal occasion or service

g. to work for

h. to have a single purpose

i. to give respect

j. lost, absent

Circle the word or phrase that does not belong.

  1. remember        remind          forget      think about
  2. lost        absent       missing        found
  3. hide       bury        bring out       cover up
  4. establish        approve         deny        enact
  5. insult       honor       respect     love
  6. valor         bravery         fear        courage
  7. observe         forget          celebrate        commemorate
  8. ceremony         service         rite        incident
  9. work for         be dedicated         care        be interested
  10. help        serve           work out         avoid

Circle the word that best completes the sentence.

  1. On Veterans Day Americans (remember, bury, observe) veterans who served in the Armed Forces.
  2. Men and women can (exercise, serve, shop in) their country in different ways.
  3. People who fight for their country have (service, work, courage); they are not afraid.
  4. After the war, many soldiers could not be found; they are (buried, dedicated, missing).
  5. Laying the wreath on the tomb was part of a very solemn (observation, honor, ceremony).
  6. Veterans Day is (honored, named, observed) on November 11th in the United States.
  7. The body of an American soldier is (named, buried, dedicated) in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington.
  8. Many people all over the world are (named, celebrated, dedicated) to peace.
  9. On Veterans Day the United States (honors, buries, misses) Americans who served and fought for their country.
  10. Veterans Day was established as a federal holiday by a law (enacted, named, observed) in 1938.

Complete the sentences.

  1. On Veterans Day people also think about soldiers who did not come back or who could not be found. These are called soldiers _____________ in action.
  2. An American soldier was placed in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was _____________ in the tomb.
  3. In 1938, Congress decided by law to observe Veterans Day on November 11th. They _____________ the law.
  4. Veterans Day is a day to think about people who served their country. It is a day to _____________ them.
  5. On this day, people remember that men and women serving their country are brave. They have _____________.
  6. Many people cried at the service. It was a sad and moving _____________.
  7. Veterans Day is celebrated with religious services, public ceremonies, and other events. It is _____________ in many different ways.
  8. Many organizations are working for peace in the world. They are _____________ to world peace.
  9. A soldier, a nurse, a teacher, a scientist can all work to help their country. They all _____________ their country.
  10. Most Americans give respect and thanks to those who serve the country. They _____________them.

Complete these sentences.

  1. Sometimes it is hard to _____________ family birthdays. Many people write them in a book so they won’t forget.
  2. Sonia could not find her keys; they were_____________.
  3. Dogs like to _____________ bones in the ground.
  4. Some famous singers and artists work very hard for needy people. They are _____________ to helping others.
  5. People who climb mountains have no fear; they have a lot of _____________.
  6. Before a law can be _____________, Congress has to vote on it.
  7. To _____________ your parents, you must show respect and love.
  8. Most people in the United States _____________ the end of the old year and the start of the new with a party.
  9. The _____________ was very short; only fifteen minutes.
  10. In the United States you have to be at least 18 years old to _____________ in the Armed Forces.