On Veterans Day, we honor the past and present members of our military to thank them for the immeasurable sacrifices they have made for the safety & service of our country. Here are some ways to give back this Veterans Day.
1. Attend an Event. Be sure to attend your local Veterans Day Parade to show your support for our service members. Your presence and support means the world to veterans and their families.
2. Donate. If you are able, please consider contributing to one of the many wonderful organizations that help disabled and struggling veterans find help and healing back home. Check out the following charities below.
Homes for Our Troops – Builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans to help them rebuild their lives.
Hope for the Warriors – Founded by military families, this organization helps service members and their families through numerous programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to the community.
The Mission Continues – This non-profit empowers veterans to adjust to life at home and find purpose through community impact. They work alongside other non-profits to address community challenges such as education, hunger, and working with at-risk youth.
Operation Homefront – This organization offers many programs for relief, support, and financial aid for military families and wounded veterans.
Hire Heroes USA – This non-profit provides free career coaching and job sourcing for transitioning U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses.
3. Listen. Speak to a veteran and let them talk about their experience, if they are willing. Be sure not to ask any invasive questions, just offer an ear to listen, and an open heart.
4. Write. Send a letter to a service member to tell them you are thankful for their service. This small gesture is sure to put a smile on a veteran’s face. It only takes minutes to write a short, heartfelt letter, and is a great way to show solidarity with our troops.
Visit Operation Gratitude to read more on how to send a letter to a service member. Also, be sure to check out these heartwarming anonymous thank you notes for inspiration.
5. Volunteer. Visit your local VA hospital and find out what volunteering opportunities they have available. Be sure to check out http://www.dav.org to see what volunteer opportunities are available in your area.
6. Honor our Fallen Heroes. Visit a veteran memorial or gravesite and help tidy and clean the area and/or bring flowers to honor the memory and spirit of past heroes.
7. Respect the Flag. Honor our veterans by respecting the flag they fought for. When displaying a flag, be sure that it is in good condition, kept flying above any other flag, and be sure to not let it touch the ground. If your flag is no longer in good condition, retire it. Click here to read the U.S. Flag Code in it’s entirety.
8. Remember Veterans Every Day. Observances like Veterans Day are great times to remind us to be humble and thankful for the things we take for granted on a daily basis. Make each day an opportunity to live your life to the fullest, and be thankful for those who made it all possible.
On behalf of The Guide, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who has served. Your bravery is a testament to the heart and courage of the American people, and we honor you on Veterans Day, and every day.
