Holiday Specials

6 Fifteen-Minute Programs
Grade Level: 2-4
Curriculum Area: Social Studies: Holidays

People and events have shaped American history. This series hopes to instill viewers with reverence and respect for our country and our heritage. Our basic American principles and ideals in thought and action are also discussed.

Teacher Guide: 41 pages; includes vocabulary, background information, pre- and post-viewing activities, and poems.

1. Columbus Day   14:49
In 1492, spices and silks from the Orient were much in demand, and seaman were looking for an all-water route. Columbus learned about Marco Polo's travels to China and believed the laughable theory that the earth was round. His first voyage to the New World and his actions upon arrival have never ceased to affect Western civilization.

2. Veterans Day   14:12
Veterans Day honors those who have served their country through war and peace in the army, navy, and air force. Formerly called Armistice Day, it marks the end of World War I, which the politicians decided should end at 11 a. m. November 11, 1918-the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Because that terrible war is now regarded as ancient history, each generation must reaffirm America's basic principles of honor by remembering those who sacrificed their lives and families for the sake of an ideal.

3. Thanksgiving Day   12:54
Although the Pilgrims did start the custom in 1621, the harvest feast for giving thanks to God remained a New England tradition until President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1862. This program emphasizes why we should appreciate the courage and perseverance displayed by our nation's first settlers, who created a new society at incredible cost.

. Lincoln's Birthday  14:31
The Lincoln Memorial was completed in 1922, after six years of steady work. This white marble statue is a favorite tourist attraction in Washington, D. C. , and reminds millions of visitors that Abraham Lincoln was one of our finest and bravest leaders and an enduring role model.

5. Washington's Birthday   13:19
During the American Revolution, George Washington led the Continental Army. Although he theoretically never had enough men, supplies, or money to fight the war, his inspirational leadership and brilliant strategies eventually resulted in the colonists' victory over the British forces. Observing his birthday gives Americans a chance to remember and appreciate his many contributions to a new nation. After viewing this program, perhaps our children will finally know more about Washington than that he wore wooden dentures!

6. Memorial Day   9:01
Memorial Day began shortly after the Civil War ended, when some southern women not only placed flowers on their own husbands' graves but also on the graves of their fallen enemies. General John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic then issued a general order designating May 30 as a day to remember those who have died in combat.