Members of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club salute the flag during the
playing of the National Anthem at the beginning of a memorial and
remembrance service for seven motorcyclists and their spouses who died
in the June crash Saturday, July 13, 2019 in the parking lot of
Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass. The seven bikers were killed when a
pickup truck hauling a flatbed trailer slammed into a group of riders in
Randolph, New Hampshire. (Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle via AP)
Military.com|By
Ho Lin
Veterans Day is an important day for showing appreciation to members of our military, past and present.
If you're looking for an appropriate way to honor a veteran in your
life, or would like to contribute in a way that's meaningful for
veterans everywhere, here's a list of suggestions to start you off.
1. Show Up
Attend a Veterans Day event in your area -- not
just a picnic with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service
for veterans. Roy Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes; someone has to
sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Veterans Day is a great
opportunity to do just that.
2. Donate
There are a plethora of wonderful organizations
who offer all manner of support, services and appreciation for our
service members. To get a few ideas for donations, you can check out this page.
3. Fly a flag - correctly
Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the
flag! Just make sure you're observing the proper rules for display. Not
sure exactly what those are? Check out Military.com's guide to the flag.
4. Ask someone about their service
It seems like we all know someone who has served
and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Some
questions to get started are: What did you do in the military? How long
did you serve? What was your favorite moment in all your time in the
service? Did anyone else in your family serve? Why did you choose to go
into the service branch you did? Do not ask if they've killed anyone and
should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or
plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being
intrusive. Sometimes you don't have to say anything, just listen and
give them your full attention.
5. Write
If you know a veteran, write a simple postcard
or e-card that recognizes them on Veterans Day. If you don't know a
veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there.
Small acts of recognizing someone's service, even anonymously, are
appreciated.
6. Don't Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day
Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are
serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect
and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country.
Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of
both.
7. Visit a VA Hospital
Find out what the policies are at your nearest
VA hospital for interacting with patients or volunteering, and spend the
day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day
or a special lunch you can help prepare. Even if you never interact
with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back.
8. Get Outdoors with a Veteran
Invite a veteran or a military family to explore a national park -- admission is free
for all visitors on Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical
and mental health, boosts emotional well-being, and is a great way to
celebrate the day with a veteran.
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