NOTE: An armistice is a formal agreement of warring parties to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, since it might be just a cessation (a pause or stopping) of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace. The treaty between the Allies and Germany to end World War I is an example of a famous armistice.

For help answering the questions below, go to va.gov's History of Veterans Day and FAQs. 

1.  On what day is Veterans Day officially observed every year?

2.  What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

3.  When was Veterans Day made a national legal holiday (by an act of Congress)?

4.  a) Why was Veterans Day called Armistice Day until 1954? Be specific.
b) Why was it changed?

5.  Who was the first president to issue a Veterans Day Proclamation? In what year did he do so?

6. Re-read the excerpt from Gen. Kelly’s 2010 Veterans Day speech. What idea from this excerpt most inspires you? Explain your answer.

7. Why do you think it is important for every American to honor our veterans on Veterans Day?

8. a) Ask a grandparent how Veterans Day was commemorated when he/she was a teenager.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

9. Do you have any relatives, friends or neighbors who are veterans?  What do you think is the best way to acknowledge their service?

10. Veterans Day isn't just for military families. It is a day for all Americans to honor and thank our vets. How does your town commemorate Veterans Day?

CHALLENGE: Choose one of the following articles about veterans and answer the questions below the article.

WORLD WAR II

• Battle of Coral Sea
• Lessons From the Battle of Midway
• God Bless the Doolittle Raiders
• ‘Heroes all’: Survivors mark 76th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack
• USS Arizona survivor gets hero’s welcome in return to Hawaii
• 8 Tales of Pearl Harbor Heroics

VIETNAM:

• Marine who fought in brutal Vietnam Battle of Hue will receive Medal of Honor next month
• National Vietnam War Veterans Day
• Honoring our Vietnam War Veterans

AFGHANISTAN: (Medal of Honor recipients)

• Defying Orders, Hero Marine Saved Other Troops
• Green Beret awarded Medal of Honor gives first TV interview
• Army captain who tackled suicide bomber gets Medal of Honor
• Marine Corporal William “Kyle” Carpenter in 2014
• U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ty Carter in 2013

VIETNAM/AFGHANISTAN

• Spotlight on our veterans: Maj. James Capers, SSGTravis Mills