Veterans Day November 11, 2021 - Teachers Resource Guide (2024)

Veterans DayNovember 11, 2021Teachers Resource Guide

2 | Table of Contents T he U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee are pleased to provide you with this Teachers Resource Guide. It is our hope that by thanking America’s Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, we can reward them with the honor they so richly deserve. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................................................page 3 Program Guide.................................................................................................................................................................................................page 4 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier...............................................................................................................................................................page 5 Prisoners of War (POWs) and Those Missing in Action (MIAs).............................................................................................page 6 Origins of Veterans Day...............................................................................................................................................................................page 7 Student Activities............................................................................................................................................................................................page 8 Veterans Legacy Program..........................................................................................................................................................................page 9 America’s Wars...............................................................................................................................................................................................page 10 How to Contact Veterans Service Organizations.....................................................................................................................page 11 Scholarships....................................................................................................................................................................................................page 12 Respecting the Flag....................................................................................................................................................................................page 13 Folding the Flag............................................................................................................................................................................................page 14 2021 Veterans Day National Committee ......................................................................................................................................page 16 Each year, the Veterans Day National Committee publishes a commemorative Veterans Day poster. The poster is selected from artwork submitted by artists nationwide and is distributed to VA facilities across the country and to military installations around the world. It also serves as the cover of the official program for the Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years, these posters have illustrated the rich history of our country’s service members. Each poster clearly reflects our pride and patriotism in saluting Veterans while providing thematic artistry for the year. Current and past Veterans Day posters are available for download from VA’s Veterans Day Poster Gallery at https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/gallery.asp.On the CoverThe 2021 National Veterans Day poster commemorates the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.The Tomb was dedicated on November 11, 1921. The winning artist is Matt Tavares from Maine.Our American VeteranA Veteran of the United States is someone who has served on active duty in the Armed Forces, Public HealthService, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or Environmental Science Service. The Veteran musthave earned any character of discharge other than dishonorable. On Veterans Day, we honor the service andsacrifice of all Veterans – living and deceased. Department of Veterans Affairs

W Introduction | 3 elcome to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2021 Veterans Day School and Teachers Resource Guide. As Veterans Day approaches, we hope you will help your students connect withVeterans who served in the past, as well as service members now on activeduty. We can all better-appreciate the freedoms we have because of themen and women who have served in defense of the United States. There are about 18 million Veterans living among Inviting Local Veterans Groups:us, in every state and territory and from every walkof life. Many of the students in your class may be the Inviting local Veterans groups makes assemblyson, daughter, cousin, or other relative of a Veteran or programs far more exciting and meaningful forcurrent Servicemember. By engaging in discussion students. Students tend to better understand andabout these crucial members of our society, your absorb the significance of Veterans Day when theystudents will be able to hear from and about those can attach a human face to it.who helped shape U.S. history. Our hope is that In addition, Veterans groups often put on verystudents will be encouraged to learn more of these exciting shows. From stirring renditions of theoften unheard stories from those close to them. National Anthem to thrilling speeches and stories, This resource guide, along with another group of Veterans will both entertain and educate students.America’s finest — our teachers — will allow your You can find Veterans groups in your areastudents to learn more about the price our brave through your local Veterans Service OrganizationsVeterans have paid to defend our nation. (VSOs) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities or regional offices. You may be The School Assembly: surprised at how many Veterans live in your area. Because the weather can be quite cold in Schools that send out invitations often end upNovember in many parts of the country, an indoor with former generals and admirals, Medal of Honorassembly is far more sensible than one that would recipients and other distinguished Veterans astake place outside, eliminating the need for foul guest speakers. A listing of VSOs appears on pageweather plans. 11 of this guide. Or visit www.va.gov/vso/ for an online directory of Veterans’ groups. The scope of such a program may be large enoughto permit invitations to the community, to includelocal Veterans groups. Students can beencouraged to bring family memberswho are Veterans (especially parents,siblings or grandparents) or whocurrently serve in the Uniformed Service. Nearly 100 Veterans of America’s wars -- from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism -- join cadets of the Elbert County Comprehensive High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Program in rendering a hand salute, in honor of Veterans and our fallen heroes during a Veterans Day commemoration. Georgia National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway Veterans Day 2021 - Teachers Resource Guide

4 | Program GuideProgram Guide: Undoubtedly, your school will want to put on a Introduction of Guests — Introduce any specialprogram worthy of all your distinguished guests. guests, who may include local government officials,The following are some suggestions for a sample school alumni with distinguished military service,program guide that will make this Veterans Day Veterans from the community who representmemorable for both students and guests: different periods of service and faculty members who Prelude and Posting of Colors — As the are Veterans.audience enters to be seated, a school or community Principal Speaker — Your principal speakermusical organization may offer several appropriate should be invited far enough in advance to allowselections. A procession and posting of the colors adequate preparation for your program.(U.S. Flag) is a stirring event. Local VSOs often Student Essay or Reading — By includingparticipate in such programs with their impressive various presentations by individual pupils in schoolarray of military banners and U.S. Flags. programs, student body participation may be Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Singing increased. Selected essays from class or school-wideof the National Anthem — The program competitions may be read aloud by the authors. Thechairperson, school principal or student body reading of a well-known patriotic address by a U.S.president should invite the audience to stand and president or war hero is also effective. There are ajoin in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing number of published musicals/narratives that canthe National Anthem. enhance your program. A student-performed short Introductory Remarks — Brief introductory play or skit can be quite entertaining as well.remarks set the tone for the entire program. Moment of Silence, Taps — While Veterans DayConsider reading the President’s Veterans Day is primarily a tribute to America’s living Veterans, itProclamation, which the White House issues in is always appropriate to recognize and rememberadvance and posts on the internet. For more those who gave their lives for our country. More thaninformation, please visit: www.whitehouse.gov. a century ago, World War I ended when an armistice Additional remarks and suitable quotations for – a truce – was signed at 11 a.m. on November 11,speeches can be found on the Veterans Day website 1918; thus, the saying that the war ended on the 11thwww.va.gov/opa/vetsday/. hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Although 11 a.m. remains a traditional hour for remembering our fallen heroes, a moment of silence is appropriate at any point in the program. This may be followed by the playing of “Taps.” For more information on the history of Taps please visit www.tapsbugler.com. Closing — The Master of Ceremonies announces “Retire the Colors.” Accompanied by appropriate music, such as a John Philip Sousa march, the Colors are paraded out of the assembly area. This concludes the ceremony.The Meade High School JROTC Color Guard performs during a Veterans Day Assemblyheld at MacArthur Middle School, which has a “Partners In Education” program, whereServicemembers act as mentors to students. Photo by: Daniel Kucin Jr. Baltimore Sun Department of Veterans Affairs

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | 5Tomb of the Unknown Soldier I n 1921, an American soldier – his name “known and the Korean War. A white marble slab flush with but to God”– was buried on a Virginia hillside the plaza marks each crypt. overlooking the Potomac River and Washington, In the following years, thousands of peopleD.C. The burial site of this unknown World War I flocked to Arlington National Cemetery to paysoldier in Arlington National Cemetery became their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The which soon came to symbolize the sacrifices of allneoclassical, white marble sarcophagus depicts American Servicemembers.three carved Greek figures representing Peace,Victory, and Valor. Inscribed on the back of the Tomb In 1926, Congress established a military guardare the words: to protect the Tomb during daylight hours. Since midnight on July 2, 1937, the Army has maintained “Here rests in honored glory an American a 24-hour guard over the Tomb. Sentinels of thesoldier known but to God.” 3rd U.S. Infantry, “The Old Guard,” assumed these The Tomb sarcophagus stands above the grave of duties on April 6, 1948, maintaining a constant vigilthe Unknown Soldier of World War I. To the west are regardless of weather conditions.the crypts for an Unknown Soldier from World War IISoldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) support an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. (U.S.Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser) Veterans Day 2021 - Teachers Resource Guide

6 | POW/MIAPrisoners of War (POWs) and Those Missing in Action (MIAs) A prisoner of war (POW) is any person We must never forget any POW or those Missing captured or placed in prison (interned) in Action (MIA) who did not return home. The issue by a foreign or enemy power during war. of accounting for U.S. POW/MIAs became a matterIn the strictest sense, it is used only for members of public interest with the founding of The Nationalof the Armed Forces, but by broader definition it League of POW/MIA Families in 1970, formed byhas also included members of small independent the families of those missing in action during thegroups taking part in irregular fighting (guerrillas), Vietnam War. The League pushed for an increasedcivilians who openly fight against an enemy, or effort by the U.S. government to seek answers aboutnoncombatants associated with a military force. those still missing. While the Vietnam War raged Most Americans who became prisoners of war did on, those at home raised awareness of the POW/MIAso through no fault of their own; they were captured cause.while defending their country. Fortunately, POWs To further show support for those who arehave become much less common in recent conflicts. missing in action, National POW/MIA RecognitionFor example, it is estimated that while more than Day was established in 1979 with bipartisan action130,000 were captured and interned during World by Congress, followed by a proclamation signed byWar II, the number fell to 725 during the Vietnam President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each presidentWar, 47 during the Gulf War and 12 during more has issued an annual proclamation for National POW/recent conflicts. MIA Recognition Day, which falls on the third Friday in September. Captured and Returned to U.S. Name Died While POW Refused to Return Interned Military ControlGRAND TOTAL 142,186 16,985 125,180 21World War I 4,120 147 3,973 –World War II 130,201 14,072 116,129 –Korean War 7,140 2,701 4,418 21Vietnam War 725 65 660 – United States Army Colonel Floyd “Jim” Thompson (right), was the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, surviving nine years (3,278 days) of torture and deprivation at the hands of the enemy. While flying in an observation plane, Thompson was shot down by enemy small arms fire and was captured near Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was released with other POWs in mid-March 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming. Photo courtesy Department of Defense Department of Veterans Affairs

Origins of Veterans Day | 7Origins of Veterans Day“To Honor Veterans of All Wars” R aymond Weeks of Birmingham, Alabama World War I – was historically significant to many organized an Armistice Day parade for that Americans. As a result, Congress formally returned city on November 11, 1947 to honor Veterans the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional datefor their loyal service. Later, U.S. Representative in 1978.Edward H. Rees of Kansas proposed legislation The Veterans Day National Ceremony is heldchanging the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day each year on November 11th at Arlington National– to honor all Veterans who have served America. Cemetery. At 11 a.m., a color guard made up of In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a members from each branch of the military rendersbill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day and honors to America’s war dead during a tradition-richcalled upon Americans everywhere to re-dedicate ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a The President or his representative places a wreathpresidential order directing the head of the Veterans at the Tomb and a bugler sounds “Taps.” The balanceAdministration (now the Department of Veterans of the ceremony, including a “Parade of Flags” byAffairs) to form a Veterans Day National Committee numerous VSOs, takes place inside the Memorialto organize and oversee the national observance of Amphitheater, adjacent to the Tomb.Veterans Day. In addition to fulfilling that mission,the committee oversees the annual production and In addition to planning and coordinating thedistribution of a Veterans Day poster and a Teachers National Veterans Day Ceremony, the Veterans DayResource Guide. National Committee supports a number of Veterans Day Regional Sites. These sites conduct Veterans In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the Day celebrations that provide excellent examples forfourth Monday in October. However, it became other communities to follow.apparent that the November 11th date – the end of President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs H.R.7786 into law on June 1, 1954, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Veterans Day 2021 2020 --Teachers Teachers Resource Guide

8 | ActivitiesStudent Activities: Veterans Day 2021 Plan a school assembly to be held on Veterans Hold a Veterans Day Breakfast for teachers and Day and invite local Veterans. Present them with a staff who are Veterans, or for local Veterans in small flag, flag pins, a medal, a traditional “poppy” the area. or other remembrance and honor them during the program. [Poppies first became a symbol of Hold a Veterans Day Poster Contest or copy a remembrance for soldiers who died during World previous Veterans Day Poster or the current one War I, since poppy fields grew where some of the and paint or color it. This could be blown up very battles were fought.] large or create small ones to be colored. Involve Scout groups to present the U.S. Flag and Challenge students to match military terms (i.e., State Flag at an assembly on Veterans Day, or at the “junior officer”) to a random list of definitions. morning flag raising. Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. Discuss the meaning of what it means to be a Discuss the poem’s significance to Veterans. Have Veteran. Create a short play with several students students write a poem for Veterans Day and hold a in conversation, talking about “Who Is A Veteran?” contest for the best poems. These could be read at the school assembly or Veterans Day program. Ask students to bring a photograph of any family members who are Veterans and display them. Each Draw pictures of poppies. Ask a local VSO for a photo could be displayed on a laminated sheet supply of small poppies to distribute among of paper with the Veteran’s service record, name the students. and the student’s name. These photos should be mounted on school walls in a significant area. Write letters to Veterans and place small U.S. Flags at the graves of local Veterans. Look up former students who are Veterans and display their pictures as described above, but Research Armistice Day and why it was changed to incorporate the school colors, either as background Veterans Day. Research military campaign medals or in a ribbon, attached to the picture. and ribbons. Students can share the stories of their family Assign small groups to research wars and conflicts, members who are Veterans, and whether it was and give oral reports to the class. difficult to obtain a photograph and service records. Set up a Missing Man Table during your assembly Involve the student government by asking them to or Veterans Day event research teachers and staff at the school who are Veterans. Honor them with something on their class or office door, such as a patriotic wreath or sign made by the art class. The Missing Man Table is on permanent display in many military dining facilities, and is also traditionally part of formal dinner ceremonies and military balls. The ceremony may also be performed in conjunction with Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day services. The Missing Man Table is a small table set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member. (Sometimes the table is set for six – for the five branches of the Armed Forces and civilians.) It is meant to honor and remember those who have served and are still missing and unaccounted for in overseas locations. Department of Veterans Affairs

Text here | 9National Cemetery AdministrationVeterans Legacy Program Discover Their Story – Honor Their SacrificeA National Legacy At VA, we seek to engage educators, students, researchers,and the general public to build an appreciation of what earliergenerations have given to the nation and help us understandwhy this ground is set aside as “national shrines to the gallantdead.” The Veterans Legacy Program proudly shares the stories ofall Americans who served.TEACH USING VA NATIONAL CEMETERIES• As you develop your curriculum for the fall, explore our five new digital lesson plans, Teacher-developed and standards aligned.• Lesson plans are built on primary sources, contain colorful hand-outs and lesson extensions, and provide ideas for on- site learning!• Additional lesson plans are being developed to invite learners to explore their local history. Keep checking the website.• If you are interested in participating in one of NCA’s Teachers institutes, please contact us for information. Contact the Veterans Legacy Program VeteransLegacyProgram@va.gov Connect with Us For More Information, tools and resources visit us at https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/legacy/index.asp. Veterans Day 2021 - Teachers Resource Guide

10 | America’s WarsAmerica’s WarsWORLD WAR I WORLD WAR II(1917 - 1918) (1941 - 1945)Total Forces.................................................................... 4,734,991 Total Forces...................................................................16,112,566Battle Deaths....................................................................... 53,402 Battle Deaths..................................................................... 291,557Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)....................... 63,114 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).................... 113,842Wounded............................................................................204,002 Wounded............................................................................670,846KOREAN WAR VIETNAM WAR(1950 - 1953) (1955 - 1973)Total Forces.................................................................... 5,720,000 Total Forces.................................................................... 8,744,000Battle Deaths....................................................................... 33,739 Battle Deaths........................................................................47,434Other Deaths (in Theater)..................................................2,835 Other Deaths (in Theater)............................................... 10,786Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)......................... 7,672 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)......................32,000Wounded............................................................................103,284 Wounded........................................................................... 303,644GULF WAR Iraq War(1990 - 1991) (2003 - 2011)Total Forces....................................................................2,225,000 Total Forces........................................................................192,000Battle Deaths............................................................................. 147 Killed.........................................................................................4,507Other Deaths (in Theater).....................................................235 Wounded.............................................................................. 32,292Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater).........................1,565 Afghanistan WarWounded....................................................................................467 (2001-present) Total Forces....................................................................775,000 + Killed.........................................................................................2,420 Wounded...............................................................................19,950 Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Service Organizations | 11How to Contact Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) V eterans service organizations (VSOs) are organized groups of Veterans who assist Veterans and their families, and support them as advocates for a variety of Veterans’ issues. Many organizations consist of members that share a common experience, such as those who served in the same military unitor period of war. The following is a list of organizations that serve on the Veterans Day National Committee.Many of these groups have chapters/posts throughout the country with Veterans who can share theirexperiences with younger generations.Voting Members Associate MembersAir Force Sergeants Association Air Force AssociationAmerican G.I. Forum American Ex-Prisoners of WarAMVETS American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.Army Navy Union, USA American Red CrossBlinded Veterans Association Association of the United States NavyCatholic War Veterans, USA Blue Star Mothers of AmericaCommissioned Officers Association of the Bowlers to Veterans LinkUS Public Health Service Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers AssociationCongressional Medal of Honor Society Enlisted Association of the National GuardDisabled American Veterans Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.Fleet Reserve Association The Independence FundJewish War Veterans of the USA Japanese American Veterans AssociationKorean War Veterans Association Marine Corps Reserve AssociationLegion of Valor of the USA National Association of State Directors ofMarine Corps League Veterans AffairsMilitary Chaplains Association of the USA National Association of State Veterans HomesMilitary Officers Association of America Navy Seabee Veterans of AmericaMilitary Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc. Reserve Organization of AmericaMilitary Order of the World Wars Student Veterans of AmericaNon Commissioned Officers Association Wounded Warrior ProjectParalyzed Veterans of AmericaPolish Legion of American Veterans, USA Emeritus Members American Defenders of Bataan & CorregidorThe American Legion Memorial SocietyThe Retired Enlisted Association Women’s Army Corps Veterans AssociationVeterans of Foreign Wars of the United StatesVietnam Veterans of America Veterans Day 2021 Teachers Resource Guide

12 | ScholarshipsScholarships W hether you’re looking into schools for The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides yourself or a family member, you can find financial support to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps the financial support and resources you personnel and their families. In addition to a numberneed. Here is a partial list to get you started: of interest-free loans for service members and their families, the Relief Society offers the following The Survivors & Dependents Assistance Program programs for the college-bound dependents of Navyoffers financial assistance to children, ages 16 to 26, and Marine Corps personnel. https://www.nmcrs.of U.S. Army personnel who have been disabled org/pages/education-loans-and-scholarshipsor killed in the line of duty. The program is also The Joseph A, McAlinden Divers Scholarship Programopen to the children of service members who is available to the children or spouses of active-dutyhave been declared missing in action, or who have U.S. Navy or Marine Corps divers. Students mustbeen detained as prisoners of war. The program be studying oceanography, ocean agriculture oroffers up to 45 months of educational benefits to aquaculture in an approved college program. Awardseligible students who are enrolled in approved range from $500 to $3,000, and are determinedundergraduate, graduate or vocational studies. by financial need. https://www.nmcrs.org/pages/https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor_ joseph-a.-mcalinden-divers-scholarship-programdependent_assistance.asp The PHS Commissioned Officers Foundation for the The Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP) Advancement of Public Health offers a scholarshipprovides grant money to the eligible spouses program available to high school students sponsoredof active-duty or retired U.S. Army personnel. by a member in good standing of the CommissionedApplicants must be enrolled at least part-time in an Officers Association of the USPHS. The scholarshipsaccredited college or university. Scholarship funding are funded by active-duty and retired U.S. Publicis available for fall and spring semesters only. https:// Health service members, local branches of themyarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal- association, and open to students who are pursuingBenefits/Spouse-Education-Assistance-Program- a career that may relate to any of the Public Health(SEAP)-Scholarship Service professional categories (e.g., physician, The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant dentist, nurse, engineer, etc.). https://www.phscof.Program. The program provides financial assistance org/dependent-scholarship.html.to the children of active-duty and retired U.S. AirForce personnel. It also provides grants for thechildren and spouses of deceased service members.This is a need-based grant and current awards standat $2,000. https://afas.org/general-henry-h-arnold-education-grant/ The Scholarship for Air Force Enlisted Members’Dependent Children is supported by the Air ForceSergeants Association and the Airmen MemorialFoundation. These scholarships are available tothe dependent children of U.S. Air Force servicemembers, retirees or Veterans. Scholarship awardsare determined by academic achievement, serviceto the community, personal character and writingability. Financial need is not a consideration. Awardamounts range from $500 to $3,000. https://www.hqafsa.org/scholarships.html Department of Veterans Affairs

Respecting the Flag | 13Respecting the U.S. Flag “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”Important Things to Remember T he Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag should be rendered by standing at attention and facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart. If not in uniform, a person should remove his or her hat with the right hand and hold it near the left shoulder, with the hand over the heart. Persons in uniform shouldremain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute. Display the U.S. Flag every day, but especially on national and state holidays. On Memorial Day, the flagis flown at half-staff in the forenoon (sunrise until noon), then raised to its normal position at the top of thestaff. When raising the flag to half-staff, first raise it to the top of the staff, then lower it half-way. Whenlowering a flag that has been flying at half-staff, first raise it to the top of the staff, then lower it all the way.The U.S. flag should be displayed on or near the main building of every public institution, in or near everyschool on school days, and in or near every polling place on election days. Always hoist the U.S. flag in abrisk manner; lower it slowly.Things to Avoid Never show disrespect to the U.S. Flag. Never dip (lower quickly and then raise) the U.S. Flag to any personor thing. Regimental colors, state flags and organization or institutional flags are dipped as a mark of honor.Never display the U.S. Flag with the field of stars at the bottom, except as a distress signal. Never let the U.S.Flag touch anything beneath it — ground, floor, water or merchandise. Never carry the U.S. flag horizontally,but always aloft and free. Always allow the U.S. Flag to fall free — never use the U.S. Flag as drapery, festooned, drawn back or up infolds. For draping platforms and decoration in general, use blue, white and red bunting. Always arrange thebunting with blue above, the white in the middle and the red below. Never fasten, display, use or store theU.S. Flag in a manner that will permit it to be easily torn, soiled or damaged in any way. Never use the U.S.Flag as a covering or drape for a ceiling. Never place anything on the U.S. Flag and never have placed upon it(or on any part of it or attached to it) any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of anynature. The U.S. Flag should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs and the like; printedor otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes, or anything that is designed for temporary use anddiscarded; or used as any portion of a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixedto the uniform of military personnel, fire fighters, police officers and members of patriotic organizations.Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff from which the flag is flown. Learn more about the U.S. Flag Code at www.usflag.org/uscode36.html. Veterans Day 2021 Teachers Resource Guide

14 | Folding The FlagFolding the Flag W hen the U.S. Flag is no longer in suitable condition for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner -- preferably by burning. Many Veterans groups perform this service with dignified, respectful flag retirement ceremonies. When your flag isn’t on display, fold it into a triangular shape and store in a safe place to show your respect.Here’s how to do it:What You Need A U.S. Flag and another person to help fold it.Follow These Steps Start by holding the flag parallel to the ground, at waist-level, making sure to keep it taut. Fold it in half, length-wise, so that the Union (that’s the part with the stars) faces the ground. Now fold it in half again. The stars should now face out from both sides of the flag. Tip: As you’re folding, make sure the crease is perfectly aligned. You can also smooth it out with your hand to get rid of any air bubbles. Now you’re ready to start folding the triangles. While your partner holds the flag taut, take the left-handcorner on the end opposite from the stars and fold it up on top of the flag so that the edge is parallel to theright-hand side. The stripes should now run perpendicular to each other, forming a triangle. Now take the outermost point of the triangle’s edge, and fold it over the flag. Continue to do this until thestripes meet the stars. Try to make the folds as tight as possible. Tuck the remaining flap into the slot formed between the stars and stripes. You now have a perfectly folded flag that will fit neatly in any drawer. Watch a “Flag-Folding Ceremony” video, performed by members of the U.S. Marine Corps athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVYYdOQ8RvM.Meaning of Flag-Folding Ceremony The U.S. Flag-folding ceremony represents religious principles that guided the founders of our nation. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of bluecontaining the stars that represent our 50 states. The cantonfield of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted onlywhen draped as a pall on the casket of a Veteran whohas served our country honorably. In the U.S. Armed Forces, at the ceremony ofretreat, the flag is lowered, folded in a trianglefold and kept under watch throughoutthe night as a tribute to our nation’sdead. The next morning it is broughtout and, with the accompanyingsound of reveille, is raised onthe flagpole. Department of Veterans Affairs

Folding the Flag | 15 Flag etiquette is an important part of the American tradition that ensures the Stars and Stripes are treatedwith the dignity it deserves. Established by Congress in 1942, the official U.S. Flag Code created guidelines forthe care and display of the flag. Although it does not describe an official method for folding the flag, the rulesdo state that you should never store a flag in a way where it can get torn, soiled or damaged. You should alsonever let the flag touch anything beneath it, such as the ground or floor. Over time, a triangular shape has become the traditional way to fold the flag and store it in a safe manner.The exact origin of this specific procedure is unknown, but it may trace back to the Gold Star Mothers ofAmerica or the United States Air Force Academy. OPEN EDGE FOLDED EDGE Hold the flag waist-high with a partner; the flag Bring the upper and lower halves of the flag should be parallel with the ground. together, folding it lengthwise in half. OPEN EDGE FOLDED EDGE Fold the flag lengthwise again, bringing the lower Bring the striped corner of the folded edge uphalf up to the top. The field of stars should be visible to meet the top edge of the flag, making a small on the left side. triangle. Fold the triangle over itself, making the triangle The triangular folding continues until the entire point inward. Continue triangular folding. length of the flag is folded. Veterans Day 2021- Teachers Resource Guide

16 | National Committee 2020 Veterans Day National Committee Honorary Chairman The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States Chairman Vice Chairman The Honorable Denis R. McDonough The Honorable Kayla M. Williams Assistant Secretary of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Public and Intergovernmental Affairs MembersAir Force Sergeants Association American G.I. Forum AMVETSArmy Navy Union, USA Blinded Veterans Association Catholic War Veterans, USACommissioned Officers Association of the USPHS Congressional Medal of Honor Society Disabled American VeteransFleet Reserve Association Jewish War Veterans of the USA Korean War Veterans AssociationLegion of Valor of the USA Marine Corps League Military Chaplains Association of the USAMilitary Officers Association of America Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, Inc. Military Order of the World WarsNon Commissioned Officers Association Paralyzed Veterans of America Polish Legion of American Veterans, USAThe American Legion The Retired Enlisted Association Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United StatesVietnam Veterans of America Associate Members Air Force Association American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor American Ex-Prisoners of War (Emeritus) American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. American Red Cross Association of the United States Navy Bowlers to Veterans Link Blue Star Mothers of America Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. Enlisted Association of the National Guard Japanese American Veterans Association The Independence Fund National Association of State Directors of Marine Corps Reserve Association Veterans Affairs National Association of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America State Veterans Homes Reserve Organization of US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association America Student Veterans of America Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association Wounded Warrior Project (Emeritus) Navy Mutual Aid The Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide is published in honor of U.S. Veterans by the VETERANS DAY NATIONAL COMMITTEE Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20420 http://www.va.gov/vetsday Department of Veterans Affairs