This unit has been developed in conjunction with the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. Over the course of five lessons, students will learn about Veterans and service members from groups whose service has been largely underrecognized throughout US history: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Latinas and Latinos, and women. Students will analyze primary sources by and about these men and women whose service has been so vital to the US Armed Forces and American liberty. The primary sources include letters, diary entries, government documents, newspaper articles, and interviews with Veterans who served in wars throughout United States history.
Lesson Plans by Jermain Corbin, Eric Bloch, Melissa Perkins, Nathan McAlister, and Gena Oppenheim
Historical Background Essays by Adrian R. Lewis, Shane Doyle, Simeon Man, Steven Rosales, and Lynn Dumenil
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELA- Literacy.RH.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA- Literacy.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA- Literacy.W.11-12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence
Despite the obstacles, why did these men and women choose to serve?
How did these Veterans and service members contribute to the success of the United States military?
Why has the service of these Veterans and service members often gone unrecognized in US history?