201. Vet-Day was originally called Armistice Day in a celebration of peace at the end of World War I. People hoped it would be "the war to end all wars," but that was not to be the case. Do you think universal peace is possible? Why or why not?
202. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, is credited with starting the campaign to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Why do you think it's important to celebrate living veterans as well as deceased veterans?
203. During a very unpopular war called the Vietnam War, American soldiers were not honored and supported upon their return. Why do you think people turned their backs on Vietnam veterans? How do you think that made the veterans feel?
204. Imagine that you could take a veteran to school with you to talk to your classroom about his or her service. What might you all discuss? What do you think you might learn from the experience? Why?
205. One Vet-Day tradition is to pay respect to the multiple tombs of unknown soldiers in the United States, such as the one at Arlington National Cemetery. Do you think it's important to honor a soldier whose name has been forgotten? Why or why not?
206. What do you think it would be like to live in a world filled with peace? How would your day-to-day life change? Why?
207. Create a conversation between you and a relative who either served in a war or had friends who served in a war. What might this relative's opinion be about Vet-Day? How does it differ from your opinion? Why?
208. Many veterans are given free meals on Vet-Day. What else do you think veterans should be given for free during the holiday to honor their service? Why?
209. During Vet-Day, many parts of the world observe two minutes of silence to respect those who perished during World War I. Why might being completely quiet during that time be a good way to honor people? What would you think about during two minutes of silence?
210. Write a poem about what Veterans Day means to you and your family. Do you think a veteran would appreciate what you've written? Why or why not?
Use the above prompts or article as inspiration to write a story or other short piece.