Veterans Day often slips by in that moment between back-to-school and Thanksgiving. But it’s an important day to honor and thank our veterans for their service. Having kids write letters to veterans is a simple way to participate. I’m sharing some Veterans Day Letter Writing prompts and a printable to make it easy for you!
Interestingly, I recently learned that Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe in the name. I thought it would, because isn’t it a “day belonging to Veterans”? But no, instead, Veterans is used as an attributive adjective describing which day it is. Not whose day it is. Therefore, no apostrophe. Sorry, but I like to geek out over grammar like that, and thought maybe you’d like to know!
Veterans Day Letter Writing Prompts
In our age of quick texts, and not much longer emails, it’s easy for kids to grow up learning only informal writing skills. The need to write letters formally has decreased. But letter writing is still a wonderful communication tool, and much appreciated by anyone who receives a handwritten letter.
Kids might like to write a letter to a veteran they know personally. In that case, it might be easy for them to come up with what to say. But if they don’t know a veteran, or if they want to bless a veteran in the field with a letter, it might be harder to think of something to write.
Here’s a handy word bank that gives kids some Veterans Day letter writing prompts:
Remember * Country * Military * Hero * Sacrifice
Freedom * Service * History * Flag * Dedication
Uniform * Parade * Brave * Safe * Protect * Courage
Honor * Country * United States * Nation * Strength
If kids still need ideas, they can pick 1-2 from each of these writing prompt categories:
- Introduce Yourself – Avoid giving you full name or sharing your location
- What grade are you in? And what do you like about school?
- What kinds of pets do you have?
- What hobbies / sports do you participate in?
- What is something interesting that happened to you recently?
- Do you know any veterans in your family?
- Express Thanks – Use some of the keywords above
- Why do you think they are brave?
- How is your life better because they serve in the military?
- What do you think of when you see a military uniform?
- How does the flag remind you of our veterans?
- What do you get to enjoy because veterans protect our country?
- Encourage and Uplift!
- How do you think they are doing a good job?
- Tell them how you admire what they do.
- Explain how you will continue to support them (prayer, letters, volunteering)
- Share a funny joke or a famous quote that is inspiring.
- You might include a drawing or piece of artwork for them to enjoy too!
Letter Writing Format
This is a great time to remind kids of proper letter writing format.
Salutation – Dear Veteran, (Avoid using Dear Soldier, because only those who serve in the Army are called soldiers. If you send your letter to a group mailing service, they may not be able to guarantee which brand of the military it will go to).
Letter Body – Use the writing prompts above to create a personalized and detailed letter. Older students can divide their letter into three paragraphs if they like. Avoid saying anything negative about your life, or commenting too much on the dangers they might face. Life as an active veteran can be stressful. And retired veterans may be struggling from PTSD or other mental strain from their time on active duty.
Closing – End simply with:
Sincerely,
Your Name
or
Kindly,
Your Name
Veterans Day Poppies – Letter Writing Printable
Make letter writing FUN with this poppy themed letter writing printable template!
You can get a free PDF sample letter writing template to use with your kids when you sign up for my blog newsletter.
Or, if you want the full set of 5 to have options for your kids (or a homeschool co-op!), simply hop over to my Etsy shop where you can purchase the complete set of Veterans Day Letter Templates!
Looking for more Veterans Day Activities and Resources?
Check out my guest post on the Chalk Pastel blog where I share various activities we’ve enjoyed to observe this special day for our veterans.
Are your kids really into writing letters? December is Write a Friend Month! Here are some kid-friendly letter writing ideas!
[…] help your kids write their letter, download a free Veterans Day Letter Writing Template on my blog (you’ll even find handy writing prompts in the blog […]