November Holidays and Events - Teachable Moments in November

From Beverly Hernandez, former About.com Guide

Here's a more detailed list of November Holidays and Events with worksheets, coloring pages and activities to provide teachable moments for November 11th.

Veterans Day
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the world rejoiced and celebrated. After four years of bitter war, an armistice was signed. The "war to end all wars" was over. November 11, 1919 was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States, to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I in order to ensure a lasting peace. Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday in 1938, 20 years after the war ended. Armistice Day was changed to Veterans' Day in 1954 to honor all military veterans.

• Veterans' Day Printables
• History and Origin of Veterans' Day
• Homeschool Fun - Veterans Day Quiz
• Veterans' Day Poetry

1921 - Tomb of the Unknowns Dedicated
The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia dedicated to American service members whose remains are unidentified. There are actually four soldiers buried in this spot: the unknown soldiers of the two World Wars, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War. Each soldier represents all of those who gave their lives in the modern wars. Soldiers from the Army's Third Infantry guard the tomb twenty-four hours a day. Wreath-laying ceremonies take place all through the year and people from all over the world come to watch the changing of the guard. On another hill of Arlington Cemetery there is a mass grave of unidentified soldiers from the Civil War.

• Tomb of the Unknowns Coloring Page
• Arlington Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknowns

Washington Admission Day
On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state of the United States. Olympia is the capital of Washington. Washington is the only state named for a president. Apples are the largest agricultural product grown in the state of Washington. Why is Washington known as The Evergreen State?

• Washington Printable Pages
• Washington Unit Study

Abigail Smith Adams' Birthday
Abigail Smith Adams was born on November 11, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Abigail is remembered for the letters she wrote to her husband while he was away at the Continental Congresses. She urged him to “remember the ladies” who served the country so well during the revolution.

• Abigail Smith Adams Coloring Page
• John Adams Printables

For November 1-15, click on the squares below.
For November 16-30 Holidays, go to November Events 16th - 30th
For an overview, go to November Fundays Calendar