The Presidents of the United States honor members of the military who have lost their lives in service to the country. The tradition of offering condolences has varied due to circumstances and are different for each president. From Lincoln to Trump, presidents have written letters, called families of the armed services member, and held ceremonies for the families of the fallen. The First Ladies have also found ways to honor service members. Listen to hear examples of this tradition and how it has changed over time.
Story Length: 3:49
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October 25, 2016
5:21
Combat veterans have started long-distance hiking on wilderness trips across the country as a way to transition to civilian life. Having time in nature can help veterans process the war. A non-profit, Warrior Expeditions, sponsors dozens of combat vets each year to walk the Pacific Crest, the Continental Divide and the Appalachian Trail. They hike with other veterans who can support each other since they have been through similar experiences. Listen to hear from veterans who have hiked over 2,000 miles together and their reflections on the journey.
Read MoreNovember 11, 2015
4:36
U.S.Navy warships are often named after cities, presidents and battles. But a new Navy warship was recently named in honor of Marine Rafael Peralta, who died in Iraq. Sgt. Peralta was killed 11 years ago when he took the heroic act of throwing himself onto a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers. This interview is with Rafael Peralta’s brother Ricardo who describes him and the soldiers he saved. Listen to hear more about the bravery of this fallen marine.
Read MoreMay 26, 2014
4:03
An “Honor Flight” is a trip that takes Veterans from all over the country to visit memorial sites set up to honor their service in WWII. Vets take this opportunity to share war stories. However, these “Flights” need to happen faster as time is not on the Veterans’ sides. Listen to this radio story with your students to discuss the impact of Veterans.
Read MoreNovember 11, 2012
19:17
On this Veterans Day take time with your students or children to share some voices of soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam. This is a compelling story using old reel to reel recordings of a US Marine in the Vietnam War. Note: You can stop playing at 7:46 and still have a very good sense of the story.
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