Veterans Day is a chance to honor the military and those who served our country and fought for the freedom and rights of all Americans.
Here are some great ways you can take part in this important tradition, and both honor and thank U.S. veterans for their service:
1. Run
Running or walking for charity is one of the best ways to make a difference for vets. Attend a Veterans Day event in your area, which is not only easy and fun, but also good for you.
2. Donate
It doesn’t have to be a large donation, just whatever you can give. You can donate online to an organization like Operation Purple Program, which offers camps for kids with military parents, offering them a break from wartime tension at home and coping skills to handle mom or dad’s absence.
3. Ask someone about their service
Be supportive without being intrusive. Some great questions to ask 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? And sometimes you don’t have to say anything, just listen and give them your full attention.
4. Buy a vet a cup of coffee
It’s a really nice thing to do.
5. Put up a flag
One of the easiest ways to show your thanks is simply to put up a flag honoring the men and women that have served our country.
6. Help send a care package to a service member
Today, in a post 9/11 society, sending individual are packages to “any service member” is discouraged for security reasons. But a number of organizations have stepped in to fill the gap. Now, you can send money to organizations like MarineParents.com, which will assemble and send packages for you.
7. Visit a VA hospital
Look up the nearest VA hospital, and find out what the policies are for interacting with patients or volunteering. Many facilities will have events on Veterans Day where you can spend time with a veteran, or help prepare a special lunch. Even if you don’t get to meet with one, helping a facility is a way to give back.
8. Hire a Vet
Hiring a vet or the spouse of active military duty is a good move. Starbucks has been done this by committing to hire at least 10,000 vets and active duty spouses through 2018.
9. Donate your old car
If you have been wondering how to get rid of your old car, truck or RV, consider donating it. You can use a service like Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, which states you are entitled to deduct the sales price of your vehicle as the value of your donation when it is sold.
10. Write a Vet
If you know a veteran, write them a simple card or e-card that recognizes them on Veteran’s Day. If you don’t know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there.
11. Buy a ticket for a Vet to attend a fun event
Brown Paper Ticket Salutes shows you how to donate event tickets that will get into the hands of a vet in the city of your choice. There are all types of events from sporting events to comedy shows, farm-to-table dinners and comic book conventions, all ranging from $5 to $100.
12. Simply say thank you
If you see a vet, just simply say thank you. Thank them for all of their hard work and service, and for fighting for the freedom of this country.
[Featured Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Sara Keller / U.S. Air Force]