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Veterans Day Poem By Cheryl Dyson – Looking for the popular Veterans Day poem by Cheryl Dyson? This short, heartfelt piece is a favorite in U.S. classrooms, homeschools, and community events. It offers a simple way to honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.
The poem works well for reading aloud, classroom discussions, or as a starting point for thank-you notes and activities. Below you’ll find the full text, context about the holiday, and direct links to legitimate free resources that include the poem or related printables.
The Full Veterans Day Poem by Cheryl Dyson
On Veterans Day we honor all
Who answered to a service call.
Soldiers young and soldiers old
Fought for freedom, brave and bold.
Some have lived, while others died,
And all of them deserve our pride.
We’re proud of all the soldiers who
Kept thinking of red, white, and blue.
They fought for us and all our rights.
They fought through many days and nights.
And though we may not know each name,
We thank all veterans just the same.
This version appears widely on educational and community sites. One clear presentation of the complete poem is available on the Alpha Omega Publications homeschool resource page.
Why This Poem Resonates on Veterans Day?
Veterans Day falls every year on November 11. It began as Armistice Day after World War I and later expanded to honor all who have served in the U.S. military—living and deceased, wartime and peacetime.
Cheryl Dyson’s poem keeps the message accessible for children while still conveying respect, gratitude, and the idea that every veteran deserves recognition. Teachers and parents often use it because the language is straightforward, the rhyme supports reading fluency, and the themes open easy conversations about service and freedom.
Where to Get Free Printables That Include the Poem?
A free, classroom-ready resource that features Cheryl Dyson’s poem plus follow-up questions and a Veterans Day bubble map is available on Teachers Pay Teachers. The two-page freebie (created by Doris Young) is designed for grades 2–5 and can be downloaded after creating a free account.
You can access it here:
Veterans Day Poetry Follow Up and Bubble Map (Free on TPT)
For the poem text itself in a clean online format suitable for printing or projecting, visit:
A Veterans Day Poem – Alpha Omega Publications
For official background on the holiday, history, and additional teacher resources from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, see:
Veterans Day – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
These three sources give you the poem, ready-to-use worksheets, and authoritative holiday information without paid paywalls for the core materials.
Veterans Day Poem By Cheryl Dyson
Practical Ways to Use the Poem
- Read it aloud at a school assembly or family gathering.
- Pair it with the free TPT follow-up questions for comprehension practice.
- Use the bubble map to help students research and organize facts about Veterans Day.
- Invite children to write their own short thank-you lines or illustrate a favorite stanza.
- Print the poem and display it alongside student work or thank-you cards for local veterans.
Keep activities age-appropriate and focus on gratitude rather than graphic details of conflict.
Brief FAQ
Is Cheryl Dyson’s poem free to use in classrooms or at home?
Yes. The text is widely shared on educational sites for non-commercial educational and personal use. Always credit the author when possible.
Do I need an account to download the free TPT printable?
A free Teachers Pay Teachers account is typically required to download free resources. No payment is needed for this particular item.
Where can I learn more about the official observance?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs maintains current information on the history of the day, the national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and teacher resource guides.
Can I print the poem for a community event or bulletin board?
Yes for personal, educational, or community non-commercial use. Check the original sources if you plan large-scale distribution.
Using Cheryl Dyson’s Veterans Day poem is a simple, meaningful way to help students and families pause and say thank you. Download the free printable materials linked above, share the poem, and encourage reflection on the service that protects American freedoms every day.