The month of November includes two of my favorite federal holidays, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. As a federal holiday many family members will have a day off work and school. Think of this as a gift of time and take advantage of this time to determine how you want to celebrate to make these special, meaningful days. You may choose to create your own family holiday traditions, participate in local and national events, and demonstrate values through meaningful activities.
Veterans Day and Thanksgiving were selected for the following reasons:
The holidays are not filled with rules and expectations, leaving you the opportunity to create your own family traditions.
There are both local and national events that you can choose to do with your family.
Teaching history lessons through reading books and relating stories can be fun and educational.
Demonstrating personal values such as appreciation and gratitude can become an integral part of the celebration.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is observed on November 11th. The main nationally recognized observance is the National Veterans Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The observance includes laying of wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns at 11:30 AM, followed by a program featuring the parade of colors and remarks by dignitaries at the Memorial Amphitheater. This program is televised and can be watched as a family. In addition to this national program across the country there are local parades and special programs.
Locally, the Blue Ash Veterans Memorial, Cooper Rd, showcases eleven life sized sculptures representative of American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War 1, World War 11, Korean War, Persian Gulf War and War on Terror. A 40-foot bronze flagpole on a black granite base displays etchings of history and quotes. These sculptures were created by local artist Gary Carson. Another smaller monument can be visited in Eden Park in Cincinnati. Here you can view a statue honoring veterans from the Vietnam War. These inspiring displays can be viewed as you and your family walk around the parks to commemorate Veterans Day.
You may choose to combine a family walk or drive with remembering and honoring veterans from the past and present. Local cemeteries place a marker with an American flag on the graves of those who served. Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, November 8 – 14, will repeat its Flags of Honor tribute. Along the cemetery’s roadway are one hundred flags honoring all veterans, military personnel and public servants. A powerful emotion is felt as you observe the many flags waving in the breeze during your visit to the local cemetery of your choice. Combine a visit to the cemetery with honoring veterans.
Throughout the area local ceremonies are being held on November 11th to honor veterans. Among these is a scheduled ceremony at the Blue Ash Recreation Center. The Ohio Military Band is scheduled to perform at this ceremony. Other ceremonies include Green Township VFW with a program to honor local veterans at Green Township Veterans Park Place and the Village of Indian Hill Veterans Memorial with a ceremony including patriotic music, tribute, and laying of wreath.
To personalize your Veterans Day observance, place a flag on the outside of your home to show your support of those who serve. Children can be assisted in writing and sending letters of appreciation to local veteran and public service organizations, as well as to those veterans with whom the family is acquainted.
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving will be on November 26, 2026. Children learn about Thanksgiving from early in their school lives. Even preschoolers draw pictures and look at picture books depicting the first Thanksgiving. Television shows abound targeting children of every age. Typically, families prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. However, to enhance the celebration and make this a meaningful holiday, consider asking each person to name something for which they are thankful and name a person whom they would like to thank. Inform participants ahead of dinner that this will be part of your celebration. This gives each person time to think of a meaningful response before they are called upon. Listening to the responses given by members of different generations creates a special sense of appreciation and love.
In addition to celebrating with family and friends, Thanksgiving meals are often provided by social service agencies and religious institutions. You may encourage your family to volunteer with you at one of these events. By demonstrating helping others, children are taught valuable lessons in gratitude and appreciation.
Thanksgiving traditions often include Grandma’s pumpkin pie, Dad’s grilled turkey, football games, neighborhood walk after the meal, and wearing a special sweatshirt. All family traditions help to make this a special day. By adding a thought-provoking lesson in gratitude, you will enhance the meaning of this traditional federal holiday.
A holiday can be defined as a day set aside for celebration, remembrance, and special observance. Set aside the time to take advantage of the holiday. Since there are no dictates for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, do not let Veterans Day slip away or be overwhelmed with Thanksgiving dinner preparations. Instead engage in a family celebration that you and your family will find meaningful. This is truly the time to share activities and values with multiple generations of your family and friends.
