10 Ways to Celebrate and Honor Veterans This Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States. In remembrance of the armistice signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month in 1918 between the Allied nations and Germany, Veterans Day is a time to thank all military members for their sacrifice and service.
Learn how you can honor veterans in your community this Veterans Day, November 11, 2018.
10 Ways to Celebrate and Honor Veterans
In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Veterans Day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” Since then, Veterans Day has been marked with ceremony and respected with moments of silence throughout the country.
Here are 10 ways you can celebrate and honor veterans in your community this Veterans Day.
1. Attend a community event.
Rotary clubs, schools and other local organizations often invite veterans to speak at events on Veterans Day. Show your thanks by showing up and hearing their stories.
2. Attend a local parade.
From Washington D.C. to Washington State, many communities hold local Veterans Day parades. The parades typically include military members from the community or local veterans groups.
3. Donate to a veteran’s fund.
There are several organizations doing great things for military members and their families. Donating financially to their aid through organizations like the Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House and Naval Special Warfare Foundation are great ways to show your thanks to the military community.
4. Lay wreaths at a military cemetery.
If your community has a cemetery, ask if you can lay small flags or wreaths on the graves of veterans. This is done at larger national cemeteries around the country and a nice way to show your remembrance.
5. Offer a military discount or offer a token of appreciation.
If you are a local business owner, consider offering a military discount on Veterans Day or offering some kind of token of your appreciation.
6. Organize a care-package packing party.
Gather your family and friends and create care packages for active duty military members. The Support Our Troops organization has great guidelines for what you can and cannot send to military members and will facilitate mailing care packages for you.
7. Simply say, ‘thank you for your service.’
Stopping a service member and just letting him or her know you are thankful for their service is always appreciated.
8. Submit a story to A Place for Mom’s “Wall of Honor.”
A Place for Mom is proud to share the stories of national heroes on our Wall of Honor. Submit your own story or the story of a loved one, or spend some time reading about the selfless sacrifice of America’s veterans.
9. Visit a VA hospital.
Find a nearby VA hospital and ask them if you can come to visit. Simply say hello to veterans finding their way after combat or ask if they are accepting any donations and bring what they need.
10. Wear a red poppy.
The American Legion Auxiliary gives out red paper poppies across the nation on Veterans Day. The poppies are handmade by veterans as part of therapeutic rehabilitation and donations for the flower go to assist disabled veterans.
How will you celebrate and honor veterans this year? Share your plans and stories with us in the comments below.
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