WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the launch of VA Kids, a new Web page designed to help young people understand what it means to be a veteran.

“The ideals of military service and patriotism can be unfamiliar to some children and young adults,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “The VA Kids Web page supports President Bush’s initiatives on education and volunteerism by providing an entertaining and informative way for young people to learn why veterans are special.”

The Web page, at http://www.va.gov/kids, contains areas for students in kindergarten through grade 5, for grades 6 through 12 and for teachers. VA Kids also has information about VA, Veterans Day, scholarships, student volunteer opportunities, rehabilitative and special events for disabled veterans and links to veteran-related sites.

For younger students, VA Kids has interactive activities such as puzzles, coloring pages, matching contests and age-appropriate language to describe a number of patriotic topics. For older students, there is information on volunteer programs, scholarships and more sophisticated educational resources, games and reference links. The teachers’ section contains additional information, links and suggested classroom activities.

“The title ‘veteran’ is bestowed by a grateful nation on citizens willing to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom,” said Principi. “It is our responsibility to honor these heroes by ensuring that each American generation understands what this prestigious title means.”

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