Top 10 Ways to Honor a Veteran
1. Display an American flag. Hang one from your house, attach one to your car or set one on your desk at work. Displaying our country’s flag conveys the utmost sense of pride for America and those who have defended it.
2. Honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Visit the final resting places of those who came before you to defend freedom, whether at a local or national cemetery. Place an American flag near their graves or leave flowers to show your gratitude.
3. Visit the veterans in your life. Thank them for their service to America and ask them if they have any stories about their military service that they would like to share with you. There’s nothing as gratifying as knowing that somebody you know genuinely cares about your life experiences.
4. Call your distant friends and relatives who are veterans. Let them know how much you appreciate the sacrifice they have made for yourself and others. Such a small gesture can make a huge impact, especially since they probably won’t be expecting it.
5. Celebrate Veterans Day. Many local schools host assemblies or other similar events to honor the veterans who live in their communities. By attending such an event you can learn more about the veterans in your community. And there’s just something about hearing a 6th grade trumpeter struggling to hit the high notes of Taps that just makes you proud to be an American.
6. Make a donation in the name of a veteran. Look for military organizations in need of financial assistance, or make a donation to a scholarship fund. Providing opportunities for America’s youth shows that you appreciate those who have made such opportunities available.
7. Teach your kids to appreciate veterans. Tell them about all of the important things veterans have done to ensure their safety. Help them make homemade cards to thank the veterans they know. If any of their family members have served, have your kids interview them about what it was like to serve in the military.
8. Visit a war memorial or local military museum. Celebrate the sacrifices others have made by learning about America’s past struggles. Bring a veteran along so that he or she can share his or her personal experiences with you and your family.
9. Volunteer for a military organization. Contact your local VA or a similar organization that serves the military community and ask them about volunteer opportunities. Many veterans who live in a nursing home or are in a hospital have little or no family members who help or visit them. Volunteering to spend time with these veterans lets them know they are truly appreciated.
10. Wear red, white and blue. Dressing as a proud American is one of the easiest and most contagious ways to show others the pride you have in America and those who have served it, as well as those who continue to do so.
