THE BRIDGE ISSUE 19 - November 9, 2025
Every November, I find myself slowing down when the Veterans Day flags go up in front of schools.
There’s something sacred about the way those flags flutter — each one representing a story, a sacrifice, a moment of courage.
But as educators, we know that honoring veterans isn’t just about a single day or a school assembly. It’s about helping our students understand why people serve — and how those stories connect to the values we hold dear in our classrooms and communities.Veterans Day gives us the chance to do what teachers do best: preserve knowledge, pass on values, and tell the stories that deserve to be heard — especially the ones that haven’t always made it into the textbook.
Because let’s be honest — the traditional stories of military service we grew up hearing often left a lot out.
The truth is, the history of service in this country is beautifully diverse.
It includes women who built entire communication networks in WWII, Native American code talkers who protected secrets through language, Black battalions who sorted mail and broke barriers, and LGBTQ+ service members who served in silence long before they could serve openly.
When we bring those stories forward, we invite students to see that courage, duty, and belonging come in many forms.
We make space for students to connect — to realize that values like perseverance, teamwork, and empathy aren’t abstract ideas; they’re lived experiences.
Classroom Activities to Consider
The Story Connection Project
Ask students to interview a veteran — a grandparent, family friend, or someone in the community — and craft a short reflection, story, or artwork inspired by that conversation. Guide them to ask questions like:
- Why did you choose to serve?
- What values carried you through difficult moments?
- How do you continue serving today?
It’s less about the military details and more about the human lessons — grit, humility, and connection.
Hidden Histories Hunt
Encourage students to dig deeper into the stories that don’t always get told. Explore resources like:
Have students create digital storyboards, short video summaries, or social media-style posts to share what they learned.
Values in Action Reflection
Ask students to think about what “service” means to them — in school, in their families, or in their communities.
Connect veterans’ stories to the values we live by every day: courage to speak up, empathy for others, or commitment to fairness and justice.
Every classroom has the power to keep these stories alive.
When we help students see themselves in history — in all its complexity and diversity — we build empathy and connection that reach far beyond the lesson plan.
This Veterans Day, let’s preserve and pass on the knowledge, values, and history that make us stronger together.
Let’s honor the past by shaping a future rooted in gratitude, understanding, and shared humanity.
