Veterans are true heroes that look like everyday people. Strangers, friends, and family members have all given their time and hearts to defend our country, and they do it while asking for nothing in return.
While we should acknowledge their bravery all year long, it’s important to show appreciation to all the brave men and women that have selflessly defended our freedom on Veterans Day. Are you showing love to those who backed the red, white, and blue?
If not, continue reading the article. By the end, you’ll have seven great ways to thank a Veteran for their ultimate sacrifice.
1. Write A Thank-You Letter
Saying thank you doesn’t have to be complicated! Tell a Veteran to their face that you appreciate their service, or show your gratitude with a handwritten note.
Some people find letters to be very sentimental. It’s nice to look back and read positive words on a rainy day.
Give a letter to a Veteran and thank them for their service. You could even list everything you enjoy in life because they’ve protected our freedoms.
- They keep our country safe
- They allow us to live our lives unafraid
- They stand for our freedom
- Your friends and loved ones can be proudly American!
You can include many other reasons in your letter, and there may even be some personal reasons that other people wouldn’t think of. It can even be as simple as wishing our outstanding service members a Happy Veterans Day or giving them a sincere “God bless you.”
Regardless of what you write, make sure it comes from the heart and shows love for our brave Veterans.
2. Respectfully Fly A Flag
The American flag is more than a piece of fabric. The flag is a symbol of our liberties, our sacrifices, and our strive to live unapologetically as Americans. Each star and stripe represents the great country each military personnel has chosen to take a stand for, and it should not be disrespected.
During Veterans Day and other American holidays, it’s common to see flags on every corner. Red, white, and blue will appear in the hearts and homes of many! But did you know that there are many rules for flying a flag?
When flying the flag, remember:
- It cannot touch the ground or be dragged
- It cannot be draped over a vehicle
- A ripped or ruined flag cannot be displayed
- Flags cannot be used as a blanket or as clothing
Ready to wave a flag and show your pride? Remember these tips and ensure you’re being as respectful as possible to thank veterans. Be sure to check out our list of American-made flags to help you express your love for the country and the support of the veterans!
3. Donate To Charities
Many military Veterans in need across the United States of America could use a hand. Luckily, there are charity organizations dedicated to helping them get the care they need.
Certain companies across America will partner with nonprofits to support Veterans. When you shop at these businesses, you can round up to the nearest dollar or give an amount of your choice.
Whether it’s health care or support for their PTSD, there’s a charity looking out for the brave men and women that served our country.
4. Listen To Veterans
Spending time with a Veteran gives them the time they deserve. Listen to their story and learn more about their time in the service.
Each Veteran will have their perspective on their time in the service. Ask them questions and generate a conversation. You can ask them about their different tasks in the military, their favorite moments, what branch they were in, or if anyone else in their family was also in the military.
Keep in mind this is about showing support, and some questions may be too personal. Don’t ask if they’ve killed people or about other traumatic experiences they may have endured while on active duty.
Follow the conversation attentively and know when it’s best just to listen. Sometimes you don’t have to respond—listening to a Veteran’s story is a kind gesture.
5. Share Their Stories
Honor a Veterans sacrifice by sharing their story. Not everything is yours to share—remember that their lives aren’t works of fiction but actual experiences. Share as much or as little as they’re comfortable with.
It can be as simple as telling others you’re proud to know someone that served. Tell them when they served, what branch, and keep it simple if they’re not a fan of over-sharing. All fellow veterans, whether a part of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, or the U.S. Navy, have done the unspeakable for our great nation, and it’s important to honor their wishes.
You can also help veteran-owned businesses by shopping and sharing information from their stores. We put together a great list of veteran-owned businesses for you to browse, all with items made right her in the U.S.A.!
Whether they’re still with us or have passed, it’s important to honor their sacrifice and respect their legacy.
6. Volunteer Your Time
There are many ways to give your time to war veterans, big and small.
Consider spending some time at a VA hospital. You can visit any day, though many hospitals will have special events in honor of Veterans Day. Offering any help you can, whether you interact with a veteran or not, will give back and offer support.
Unfortunately, many homeless vets in the country deserve our help. They fought for our country, and we owe it to them to step up! Give your time and support to a vet in need with a nice warm coat, a home-cooked meal, or someplace to stay. Even a small token of appreciation will help show your support.
7. Buy Them A Gift
We guarantee there’s at least one Veteran in your life, whether they’re a close friend or a part of your family. Show them how much you care by giving them a gift they’ll appreciate.
The American list has you covered. We found terrific American-owned brands that sell handmade goods, accessories, and fashionable clothes perfect for any American lifestyle. What would make a better gift than something made in a great country?
Check out some of the products proudly made in the USA that would make a perfect gift for a Veteran in your life.
Support Our Veterans Today!
Being a proud American means recognizing the people that make freedom and liberty possible. The brave servicemen and women that defended our democracy have made our lives great, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
Along with shopping local, if you are a veteran, then you have exclusive discounts at several stores. We did a lot of research to put together a comprehensive list of stores that offer military discounts while also offering American-made products.
We hope you’ll use this list to thank a Veteran for their service not just on Veterans Day but every day that freedom rings.