The history of Veterans Day, free printables and events in Atlanta

Americans pay tribute to those who have served in our armed forces as celebrate Veterans Day today. So, what is the history of this national holiday? To help your own family commemorate Veterans Day 2010, there are many websites that offer free printables and patriotic activities. In addition, there's a good selection of Veterans Day events in Atlanta. If you personally know any veterans, today is a great time to thank them for their sacrifices and service.

The History of Veterans Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954 when Congress officially changed its name. Officially the holiday is now observed on the weekday that falls closest to November 11th every year. It pays tribute to the approximate 2.9 million U.S. veterans with parades, ceremonies and other events.

Free Veterans Day printables and other ways to celebrate Veterans Day with kids

If your own mother or father served in the country’s armed forces, it’s a nice idea to have your own children call them today to thank them for their service. Veterans love to talk about their military experiences, especially with the grandkids. You can also take the opportunity to talk to your children about the importance of our national military and the need to thank and honor those brave men and women who served. There are many websites that offer free printable coloring pages for Veterans Day. Here are a few you may want to check out:

• Apples 4 the Teacher: Veterans Day printables and worksheets include a word magnet, word jumble, word searches and coloring pages.
• Teacher Vision: Activities include a patriotic book and hat, postage stamps for heroes, poems, songs, flag facts and much more.
• DLTK.com: Kid-friendly activities include a Veterans Day certificate, coloring pages, door hangers, greeting cards and a mini book.
• The Holiday Zone: Choose from a Veterans Day maze, word searches and printable coloring pages.
• Kaboose.com: Includes Veterans Day craft projects, poems, history lessons, coloring pages and more.

Veterans Day events in Atlanta

• Gwinnett Veterans Day Ceremony: November 11th at 11:00 a.m. The public observance takes place at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville. The ceremony can also be viewed at www.tvgwinnett.com.
• Acworth Veterans Day Celebration: November 11th at 2:00 p.m. Retired US Army Brigadier General Jon D. Collins leads the celebration at Patriots Point at Cauble Park. The event is hosted by the American Legion North Cobb Post. Lunch will be provided by Bullfrogz and Chick-fil-A.
• Sandy Springs Inaugural Veterans Day Ceremony: November 11th at 2:00 p.m. at Overlook Park. Retired Army Lt. General R. Steven Whitcomb will give the keynote address. The ceremony includes a salute to all local veterans and music from a military band.
• Dunwoody Veterans Day Ceremony: November 11th at 3:00 p.m. at Brook Run Park. The event will honor all of those who have served or who are currently serving in all branches of the U.S. military. City Councilman Denis Shortal, a retired Marine General, will host the ceremony.
• Veterans Day Lighted Parade: November 11th at 7:00 p.m. It’s the Nation's only night lighted Veterans Day Parade! Line-up is from 5 - 7 p.m. in front of Douglas County High School. The parade steps off at 7 p.m. Route: from DCHS north on Campbellton Street, west on Church Street, south on Bowden Street and Woodrow back to Campbellton and the high school.
• Georgia Veterans Day Parade: Saturday, November 13th. Parade begins at 11:11 a.m. R. Lee Ermey, aka "Gunny", movie star and TV Actor/celebrity, is this year's Grand Marshal. The parade begins on West Peachtree Street, proceeds south on Peachtree Street, tus right on Baker Street towards Centennial Olympic Park making a left at COPD towards CNN Center and Phillips Arena. This year's reviewing stand is at the coer of Baker Street and COPD. The World of Coca Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, the Georgia Dome, CNN and Centennial Park are nearby.

Note from Editor: I’d like to send out a personal thank you to all our veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. Your service and sacrifice are very much appreciated. Because of you, we Americans enjoy our many freedoms and liberties.

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