Many people hold a deep appreciation for senior veterans but may not know how to express it. You can thank a veteran at any time for the services they have rendered to their country, but Veterans Day is a great opportunity to reach out to the veterans in your life.
Veterans Day is a day set aside for the purposes of celebrating living veterans and honoring those who have passed. If you need some ideas for how to show your gratitude for what the veterans in your family and community have done, here are a few suggestions.
Give the Gift of Time
Time is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to someone else. If you have one or more veterans in your life, spend time with them in honor of Veterans Day. Take them to dinner or go for a scenic drive. Spending a little extra time with someone who gave so much of their own time to serve our country is a great way to show your appreciation.
Say Thank You
You don’t have to do anything grand to show senior veterans how much you appreciate them. A simple, heartfelt “thank you” will suffice. If you’re not the type who feels comfortable expressing gratitude verbally, consider writing your words of thanks in a note or card. The recipient will surely appreciate your act of kindness.
Proudly Wave the Flag
The veterans in your community were willing to give their lives for the country they love. To honor their sacrifice, proudly wave the American flag on Veterans Day. Consider setting a flag up outside your home on the holiday, as well. Just remember to follow proper flag etiquette and take the flag down at sunset or have a light shining on your flag through the night.
Spread the Word
Veterans Day is a holiday that can be easy to forget. Unlike other highly celebrated holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, Veterans Day doesn’t receive much in the way of advertisements. To spread the word about this important holiday, take to social media platforms and choose to publicly recognize the senior veterans in your life and in your community.
Listen to Their Stories
Many veterans have incredible stories to tell and would love to share those stories with their loved ones. One of the best ways to thank a veteran in your life is by allowing him or her to tell you personal stories about serving in the military. Consider making recordings of these stories so you can share them with your posterity.
Make a Meal for Local Veterans
Do you like to cook? If so, consider making a meal for the veterans you know. If you’re running short on time, even a simple plate of cookies can mean a lot to local veterans.
Volunteer for Community Veterans Day Events
Check with your community and senior living centers (such as Elder Care Alliance) to see if they offer any Veterans Day events, then volunteer your time to help make those events successful. This will only take a few hours out of your day and is an exceptional way to say “thank you” to senior veterans in your area.
