We invite you to stop and think about how bravely our veterans serve this country throughout the Veterans Day weekend. There are various ways to thank them for their service and sacrifice, from visiting a national park to spending the afternoon with a veteran. 

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a legal holiday in the United States honoring American veterans of all conflicts. But first, here's a short background about the origin of this holiday.

An armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was announced between the Allied Nations and Germany in World War I, then known as "the Great War," in 1918. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The 11th of November was declared a federal holiday in the US in 1938. The following year, it was observed as Armistice Day in many other nations. Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in the years following World War II and the Korean War.

Things To Do This November 11th

Here are 14 things you can do to show respect and appreciation to the veterans of our nation:

Express Gratitude

Start preparing a list of the Veterans' names and addresses so you can send them a note of appreciation this year. As you continue to expand your list, make it a practice to distribute these each year. Sending a special treat to a stationed service member or veteran doesn't take much time.

Educate Kids

An enjoyable project for young kids is a terrific way to introduce the holiday and its significance. Coloring pages and online clips are just a couple of the ways you can teach kids about Veterans Day.

Invite a Veteran To Speak to the Class

Encourage any teachers you may know to include a veteran in their class if you are a teacher yourself or someone you know is. Students would benefit greatly from the chance to gain personal knowledge of what it's like to serve in the military and the significance of Veterans Day. The local VA (veterans affairs) can put you in touch with a veteran who would be happy to speak with your students if you don't know any.

Join a Veterans Day Celebration Near You

Veterans Day is observed by localities all around the country with ceremonies, festivities, and events. These occasions are fun for the whole family. And is a great way to remember and learn more about the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Visit a Retirement Community

Veteran residents at assisted living facilities are almost certain to be present. Plan a celebration in their honor with the staff. It might also involve a peaceful visit where you read to them, chat with them, play games, or sing with them.

Visit a State Park or a Museum

On Veterans Day, several state parks and museums provide free admission. Check their website or give them a call to confirm.

Organize a Fundraiser

Helping to raise money for donations to organizations or your local VA office is one of the best ways to support veterans. By planning a fundraiser, you can assist these vital organizations and express gratitude for everything they do.

Consider Veterans in Your Workplace

Try and hold a lunch in their honor to praise and recognize veterans at your workplace. Invite your coworkers to hear about the military experience of your veteran co-worker to foster teamwork and show your appreciation for their service. A special lunch or celebration in honor of your veterans, whether formal or informal, demonstrates respect and admiration.

Create a Care Package

If you know someone who's currently serving abroad, arrange a gathering to make care packages for them. Receiving items from home will cheer them up and make them feel closer to family. If you don't have any international contacts, plenty of organizations can put you in touch with soldiers to whom you can send parcels. Include a variety of necessities like soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen in addition to luxuries like books, board games, and batteries.

Have a Conversation with a Veteran

Spend time talking with a veteran to understand the sacrifices they make. You'll gain a greater understanding of what it's like to serve in the military and the significance of Veterans Day if you do this. Avoid asking them questions about warfare as they could find it awkward to discuss it. Ask them instead why they decided to join the military, for example. What accomplishment is one proud of? What were some of the tasks they had?

Help Out at a VA Hospital

Ask if any volunteer opportunities at the VA hospital are closest to you or if you may visit the patients there. On Veterans Day, several VA hospitals have events or ceremonies; find out if there is anything you can do to provide a hand. It may be enough to simply spend time talking with a patient to make their day.

Pay It Forward

In honor of Veterans Day, offer to pay it forward for the person in line behind you at the drive-through or store. Leave them a plain card with your advice to spread kindness, and urge others to remember the day and encourage them to do the same. They might be a veteran. You never know!

Purchase from Veterans

Make it a point to go shopping or dining at veteran-owned small businesses in your neighborhood. With a little work, you could even use social media to spread this campaign throughout the entire neighborhood.

Pause for a Moment

A moment of silence is a considerable approach to expressing gratitude if you want it to be private. Every Veterans Day, a moment of silence is usually observed at 11:11 a.m. Pause for two minutes to honor the bravery and selflessness of all veterans.

Conclusion

By taking part in one of the 14 listed above, you are not only honoring military troops for the sacrifices they make. But you are also expressing your gratitude for all that they do. On this Veterans Day, let's make our veterans feel appreciated! Your efforts will surely go a long way.