Every day should be Veterans Day – or at the very least, we should be honoring and celebrating those who serve - and have served - on a daily basis. This year, Thursday, November 11 is the day set aside to officially recognize our Veterans. More than 20 million veterans currently live in the United States. Although their military experiences cross decades and continents, one thing remains constant - their service deserves our honor, recognition and gratitude.
In an effort to encourage acts of recognition this Veterans Day, philanthropic business Products for Good has compiled some simple tips to honor those who have served.
Ways to Say “Thank You" this Veterans Day:
- Take advantage of the Veterans Day holiday to teach kids about our nation's history and sacrifices of those who have served. For a listing of fun, kid-friendly activities, visit http://www4.va.gov/kids/.
- Acknowledge active members of the military by sending a thank-you to troops overseas via a tweet! Tweets using the #wearegrateful hashtag are screened and printed onto postcards distributed to troops worldwide.
- Spend time volunteering at a local VA Medical Center. A small amount of time can make a big difference. Sign up here: http://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/.
- Take a five-minute break from your daily routine to personally thank a co-worker, neighbor or loved one who is a veteran. A heartfelt thank you accompanied by a smile may just make their day.
- Plan a trip to Washington, D.C.to partake in national Veterans Dayevents or check out your local news and chamber of commerce community calendars to learn about parades and events in your area.
- Bring patriotic-themed baked good or cards to a local retirement home and help staff distribute to veteran residents.
- Change your Facebook status to honor a veteran in your life: Today I Honor and Thank (Rank, First Name, Last Name, Branch of Service).Don't know a veteran? Check out the Veterans History Project to find an individual to honor. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/html/search/search.html
- Veterans Dayis a great opportunity to give a loved one who has served an unexpected call. Have your kids call and thank a grandparent or cousin who has served, and you'll feel the appreciation through the phone.
Have a great day today, and an even greater day tomorrow!
(Source: Products for Good)
Comments
These are some excellent suggestions! Thank you!!!!
GREAT GREAT article! Yes, we do need to thank the veterans ALL YEAR, everyday!!
Those are excellent ideas. We need to teach our children about our real heroes are veterans, not just characters from comic books.
Great article! I always did think one day a year to honor veterans was just too little. They deserve much more!
Thank the Veterans and thank you, Richard for some great suggestions.
Awesome article! I know my husband - a Veteran - appreciates the thanks. :)
Great suggestions for ways to thank those who have served our country on Veteran's day.
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