Ways to Show Appreciation for Veterans on Veterans Day

Veterans Day celebrates those who have served the country in war or peace, in any branch of the military. The holiday recognizes the personal sacrifices, deep courage, love of country, and selflessness involved in securing our freedoms and fighting on our country’s behalf across the world. 

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th, and its origins go back 100 years. President Woodrow Wilson, after the end of WWI, designated November 11th, 1919, as the first “Armistice Day,” as the event was then called, in order to mark the end of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany. 

With such deep history and meaning, it can be hard to put into words the right way to say “thank you” to our veterans. But don’t worry — we’ve got a few ideas for you: 

Write a Special Note

Do you have a veteran in your life? Take the time to pick out (or make) a card and inscribe it with a special note or thank-you message. Frame your message by thanking that person for their service and include a personal anecdote about how their choice to serve impacted your life in a positive way – does their courage or selflessness inspire you? Let them know! 

There are also thousands of veterans, especially elderly veterans, who may not have close friends or family to celebrate Veterans Day with. Consider contacting a retirement home in your community and asking for names of veterans to write cards and thank-you notes to. Knowing they and their sacrifices were remembered, even by someone they may not know, could mean the world to a veteran. 

Volunteer 

There are countless organizations in the United States that help veterans find jobs, recover from injuries sustained in battle, re-enter civilian life, and so forth. There are also likely veterans associations in your hometown that work to enrich the lives of veterans and non-veterans alike. If you’d like to say “thank you” in a direct, hands-on way, consider working with one of these types of organizations as a volunteer. 

To find veterans-focused volunteer opportunities near you, try searching “Veterans and Military Families” on sites like VolunteerMatch.org. You’ll be presented with a host of options near you, as well as ways you can use your time or unique talents to make a difference in your community and the lives of veterans. 

Make a Financial Contribution

Our busy lives can make it difficult to find the time to support an organization in person. If you’re still interested in supporting a specific veterans organization,” consider making a financial contribution to one that works with veterans. 

The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans cope with everything from physical injuries to the debilitating effects of PTSD. Their work helps veterans transition into civilian life, and they offer numerous programs and types of support. 

The Veteran Success Resources Group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that seeks to connect veterans and their families with services across the country that help them transition to civilian life, network with other veterans, find support, and more. Their unique model focuses on bringing veterans and their families together in large expos to maximize networking opportunities and provide a one-stop shop for veterans to find assistance in their transition to civilian life. 

Donate Your Airline Miles

If you travel often for work or pleasure, you likely have thousands of airline miles stocked up. These miles can make a huge difference in the lives of veterans, and through a service called the Hero Miles Program, you can donate your miles directly to them! This creative way to say “thank you” offers round-trip airfare to veterans who are wounded, ill, undergoing treatment, or attending special events. 

Bake or Cook for a Veteran

One of the best ways to make anyone feel loved and appreciated is to  prepare a meal for them. The same holds true for veterans! If you know a veteran, consider making a casserole or a batch of chocolate chip cookies for them. Better yet, invite a veteran over to your home for dinner as a way to say “thank you.” 

Hire a Veteran 

If you’re in a position to hire for your company or business, consider a veteran or a military spouse for the job. The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult for veterans, especially when they’re not sure how to transfer the vital and impressive skills they gained in the military to civilian life. Organizations like Hiring Our Heroes provide resources for business owners to locate and hire veterans, as well as resources for veterans to translate their military skills into careers. 

There are so many ways to say thank you to our veterans, and with these suggestions, you’re sure to find the perfect one. How have you thanked a veteran in the past?