Have you missed the Veterans’ Day parade or the ceremony at your local VA National Cemetery?
Well, there’s still time to show your appreciation for the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces. Here are a few suggestions you can practice year-round:
- Fly the American Flag outside your home.
- Teach your children or grandchildren a patriotic song like America the Beautiful.
- Volunteer at your local VA facility.
- Write a letter or make a card to be delivered by Operation Gratitude which sends messages to active-duty deployed troops as well as veterans.
- Accompany a veteran on an Honor Flight, or be there to greet the veterans when they return.
- Participate in the Veterans History Project – the Library of Congress makes it easy with a step-by-step process.
- Visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Wall, or any of the other War Memorials or spend a quiet hour at your nearest National Cemetery.
- Sponsor a wreath for a veteran’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery for its 150th Anniversary or at your local VA cemetery through Wreaths Across America.
- Post a message of appreciation or photo from your Veterans’ Day on the WUSF Veterans Coming Home Welcome Wall.
- Check out the Military Avenue link on 101 Ways to Thank a Veteran.
A bonus suggestion: if you live with a veteran like I do, give him or her a hug and make their favorite meal for dinner.
