Origami n' Stuff 4 Kids: NOVEMBER 12, Veterans Day

Origami Folding Tips

Origami, from the Japanese ori (to fold) and kami (paper), began in the 6th century when Buddhist monks introduced paper to Japan. The print-and-fold crafts and easy diagrams are designed to help children with fine motor skills, directions and hand eye coordination. Some basic origami folding tips:

Print and cut out patterns carefully.
Fold with clean, dry hands.
Follow the instructions. Study the diagrams and be patient.
Be precise: fold each crease well, flattening the creases by running your fingertip over the fold.
Folding the paper away from you is easier than folding towards you.
Be creative...use your origami on greeting cards, holiday decorations, table place cards and bookmarks.

World War I (also known as the Great War, War of Wars, and the War to End All Wars) began in the summer of 1914, and over the course of four years embroiled all of the world's great powers, mobilizing 70 million combatants and resulting in more than 9 million (military) deaths. The political, economic and personal toll was unprecedented. By the end of the war four major empires (German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman) were defeated and dismantled, and political boundaries across the world were redrawn.

Woodrow Wilson with the American Peace Commissioners

President Woodrow Wilson

Although the war officially ended on June 28, 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, actual combat had "ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars.'"

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day, an observance in honor of those who served and died valiantly for our country, but it wasn't until May 13, 1938 that congress officially declared the day a national holiday dedicated to peace and the service of our veterans.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower

On October 8, 1938 President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation:

"In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

The Veterans Day ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery honors members of the 102nd U.S. Colored Infantry. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Veterans Day Activities:

Print and Color the U.S. Flag
Print and Fold an Independence Eagle Paper Airplane
Print and Fold an Uncle Sam Origami

Origami n' Stuff 4 Kids

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