Veterans Day - 8 Ways to Express Your Appreciation
1. Show Respect For The Flag and For Our Veterans
Veterans Day is an important day for showing respect and appreciation to members of our military, past and present.
One of the saddest statistics from the Veterans Administration in their 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention ANNUAL REPORT Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is that in 2019 we had more than 17 veterans commit suicide every single day. This is a travesty, that men and women that sacrificed themselves in service to our nation, some even sacrificing limbs and eyesight and hearing. One day a year is little to ask for us to honor and support these heroic men and women!
If you're looking for an appropriate way to honor a veteran in your life or would like to contribute in a way that's meaningful for veterans everywhere, here's a list of 8 more suggestions to start you off.
2. Show Up & Celebrate the Day
Attend a Veterans Day event in your area -- not just a BBQ with friends in your backyard but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans where you can interact with former and current members of the armed forces. Roy Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that. Most cities in the DFW metroplex are holding Veterans Day parades or observances – just look up your local municipal website for details.
3. Donate
There are a dozens of wonderful organizations who offer all varieties of support, services and appreciation for our service members. To get a few ideas for donations and check out this page for organizations that you can give your time to support They are all worthy, but check them out yourself before you commit your resources to be sure they are doing what you want to support.
4. Fly The Flag - Correctly
Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the flag! Just make sure you're observing the proper rules for display. Not sure exactly what those are? Check out Military.com's guide to the flag.
5. Ask someone about their service
It seems like we all know someone who has served, and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Some questions to get started are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service? Did anyone else in your family serve? Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did? Do not ask if they've killed anyone and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. The MOST IMPORTANT thing is to simply let them speak, listen and let them know that you care.
6. Write
If you know a veteran, write a simple postcard or e-card that recognizes them on Veterans Day. Small acts of recognizing someone's service, even anonymously, are appreciated. If you don't know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there or deliver some cards and letters to your local VA hospital. Also, your local recruiting office can provide guidance on how to address a card anonymously to a service member who is stationed overseas away from friends, family and loved ones.
7. Don't Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day
Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.
8. Visit a VA Hospital
Find out what the policies are at your nearest VA hospital for interacting with patients or volunteering and spend the day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day or a special lunch you can help prepare, possibly even serve. Even if you never interact with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back.
9. Get Outdoors with a Veteran
Invite a veteran or a military family to explore a national park -- admission is free for all visitors on Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional well-being, and is a great way to celebrate the day with a veteran.
Remember: All Gave Some – Some Gave All! This is a good time to remember all veterans and their families. The pain may feel on reentering civil life is real, many become disoriented and this leads to many issues and problems – most of which end in suicide. So, keep watch over the veterans close to you and in your family. Be ready to intervene and offer assistance. Below is the Veterans Suicide Hotline that you or your veteran can call for support 24/7/365. Don't be afraid to get help!
