by Blair Worthington

Created on: November 05, 2009   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

This Veteran's Day it is likely that adults will enjoy a day off from work and children will have a day off from school. Why not make it a goal to enjoy some family time together while observing an important U.S. holiday? Perhaps your family has never done this before. Perhaps in the past, you have simply viewed Veteran's Day as a day off to relax, watch TV, or attend a blow-out sale at the mall. If that is the case, do not fear. Parents, the laundry, shopping and housecleaning can wait. Children, log off of the computer. Let's de-Face Book ourselves and get back to some basics. Let's recognize Veteran's Day this year and enjoy some of the myriad of free activities that are available in our land of opportunity.

Attend a Veteran's Day Parade

Everybody loves a parade, and chances are you will not have a problem locating a parade in your community this Veteran's Day. You can easily locate a parade in your area by searching this helpful website, http://www.vetfriends.com/parades/index.cfm. As you watch the procession of marching bands playing patriotic songs such as Stars and Stripes, you will feel national pride begin to stir in your heart. As you watch veteran's groups such as the VFW or American Legion walk along the parade route, you can show your appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Your children may be thrilled to catch some free candy tossed from the colorful floats, or marvel at the horses saddled up in their shiniest and finest gear. Indeed, it is Veteran's Day, a time to celebrate and honor our nations veterans both young and old. While a parade will certainly get you into the spirit, there are other free activities that can be observed this Veteran's day. They are sure to make you happier than that blow-out sale at J.C. Penney.

Veteran's Day Ceremonies

Your community will most likely offer a number of Veteran's Day ceremonies. These ceremonies usually feature music, speakers and sometimes food. Most of these ceremonies are held in parks or community recreation centers, at VA Hospitals or on military bases. The community calendar section of your newspaper should show a host of ceremonies to consider. If you plan to attend a VA ceremony, consider bringing a blanket, picnic basket with food, and some outdoor toys (like Frisbee) to make an afternoon out of the event. It will be a fantastic way to enjoy some family time together while actually observing Veteran's day. Sharing in such an activity is sure to be more fulfilling than watching TV or

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