Surprisingly to some, I also believe in celebrating Veterans Day. Schoolchildren across America have the day off to honor this holiday, but most of them view it as an opportunity to sleep in, play Nintendo and maybe watch a movie. I suspect that most kids have no idea why they are being granted a three-day weekend. Ask a child or two, "What is Veterans Day? Why is it a holiday?" and see if you get any good answers.

Only as an adult did I fully realize that Veterans Day (Saturday, Nov. 11) is a day set aside to honor and thank those veterans of the armed services who are still living. It's a chance to express gratitude to these people for giving us the gift of living in a free country where we can express our views on war, government and anything else we feel passionately about. In contrast, Memorial Day (observed the last Monday in May) is a day to remember those who died in service to our country. It's an opportunity to honor the memory of courageous men and women who fought and died so that the rest of us wouldn't have to.

A few years ago on Veterans Day, I dragged my children (then ages 4 and 6) to the Seattle Veterans Museum. I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew only that I wanted my children to understand that Veterans Day meant more than a chance to stay in their pajamas all day and watch cartoons. I was apprehensive -- what if this place was frightening or not appropriate for children? Still, we went.

What an amazing experience. The hands-on exhibits were educational ("feel how heavy this helmet is," "look at these pictures of brave soldiers"), and I delighted in watching my children shake hands with, and say "thank you" to, the wonderful veterans who guided us through the museum. It was a humbling moment for me when I realized that in all of my years, I had never honored a veteran on Veterans Day.

I'm still a pacifist. But I've learned that I can love peace and honor our veterans. This Veterans Day, maybe you and your family can honor them, too.

Jennifer Perrow is a Seattle-based freelance writer, and the mother of two elementary-age children. Contact her at

Veterans Day celebrations and tributes

American Lake Veterans Appreciation Ceremony (9600 Veterans Drive, Building #9, Tacoma): Nov. 7, 1 p.m. All are welcome. Call 253-583-1078 to register.

Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall Tribute:
The 80-percent-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be open 24 hours daily, from noon on Nov. 7 to 9 a.m. on Nov. 14. The free exhibit includes educational displays and children's activities. Hosted at Auburn's Veterans Memorial Park (411 E St. N.E.). For details, visit www.auburnwa.gov.

Thanks to Them: An annual program of patriotic music and ceremony, guest speakers and guest appearances by Miss Auburn and Miss Auburn Valley. Nov. 10, 7-9 p.m. Tickets $10, $15 at the door. Held at Grace Community Church (1326 Auburn Way S., Auburn). Buy tickets by calling 800-992-TIXX or by visiting www.ticketswest.com. Seattle Veterans Museum (west side of Benaroya Hall, Second Avenue between Union and University streets, Seattle): Open Nov. 10-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For details, visit www.seattleveteransmuseum.org.

Museum of Flight (9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle): Special programs will be held for youth, families and adults, Nov. 11-12. Veterans and current U.S. military personnel receive free admission on Nov. 11. For details, visit www.museumofflight.org.

The National Archives (6125 Sand Point Way N. E., Seattle): Military families and next of kin can learn how to access and research veterans' records, but the public is also welcome to view exhibits and (possibly) short films about military personnel. Activities are most appropriate for older children and adults. Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 206-336-5115 or visit www.archives.gov/veterans/veterans-day/regional-events.html.

Veterans Day Parade: Auburn's colorful, mile-long parade will proceed west along Main Street from E Street Southwest to B Street Northwest, starting at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Free. For details, visit www.auburnwa.gov.