This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
This article will discuss ways to honor veterans in your life. My eyes were opened to the joys of Veterans Day last year when my husband and I took my dad to lunch. We wanted to thank him for his sacrifice so that we can enjoy so many freedoms. We went to Applebee’s because they give Veterans a free meal on Veterans Day. This experience became much more than I expected.
As we pulled up to the restaurant, the first thing I noticed was all the red, white, and blue banners. Some of them expressed gratitude to these men and women who served our country. The real appreciation came as we entered the establishment. Everywhere we looked we could see veterans sitting with their friends and families. Many were wearing hats or shirts indicating which division they served under. My heart was full of emotion for all these people who left their families to fight for our country.
The waiters and waitresses were incredible as they expressed words of thankfulness to the veterans. The owner handed my dad a $5 coupon to come back and enjoy another meal sometime in the future. It was incredible to see so much patriotism in one place. It truly felt like everyone there loved this beautiful country.
After leaving this peaceful and loving scene, I taught my children more about patriotism. I wanted them to be grateful for what their grandpa did for them, as well as all those who fought for their freedoms, especially those who gave their lives.
So, what can YOU do to show appreciation to these men and women who sacrificed so much for our country? Here are 13 ideas to show your gratitude on Veterans Day.
This post is all about ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
1. Take a Veteran to Dinner
There are many other restaurants including Appleby’s who offer free or discounted meals for Veterans. It is a great way to spend time with your loved one. I know that my dad felt honored to be celebrated. He also loved being in the same place as so many other veterans. We were able to hear stories about his service. Spending time with veterans is one of the best ways to honor veterans.
2. Take a Veteran to a Veterans Day Program
Many Schools, scout troops and youth groups offer small programs where they celebrate Veterans. Usually they will post the colors, do the pledge, or sing the National Anthem, read a poem or special words. Some will have a special musical number and a special guest speaker. They will also honor all the guests by having them stand or give them a gift of appreciation. If you can’t find a place to take your exceptional veteran, maybe you can find a group of youth who can create their own program.
3. Send a Veteran a Card
A card, or letter, doesn’t take much time to send, but it shows that you went to some effort to share your gratitude for them. This is a great activity for teachers and parents to have their kids send “Thank You” cards to veterans. My daughter is a teacher, and her second grade class does this activity every year. They love to send pictures they have drawn, and my dad looks forward to getting several cards from the children in her class.
4. Invite a Veteran to Speak
There are many ways to accomplish this activity. You could invite a friend to come to your home, school, church group or even work group. You could include dinner, lunch, or dessert. It could be formal or informal. It can look like whatever you want it to, but children love to hear stories. This will teach them so much. If you don’t know any veterans contact your local VA. They will be able to find someone who would love to speak with Children.
5. Visit a State Park or Museum with a Veteran
State parks and museums will often offer free admissions on Veterans Day. Call ahead or visit their websites to see what is offered. Spending time on Veterans Day is a win-win situation. It shows love and gratitude and many wonderful memories for all involved.
6. Send a Veteran a Package/Gift
There are so many fun and meaningful things you can give a veteran. Here are just a few ideas of ways to honor veterans with a gift.
7. Send a Care-Package for Someone Who is Currently Serving
Veterans Day is a great day to remember all who have served and who now serve. Sending a care package is a fun way to demonstrate the importance of those who are currently serving our country. Send them things they need along with a couple of fun treats. Check out THIS post for ideas on what to send in your care package. You could even put together several packages and find a group of friends or kids who would have fun putting them together. Here are a few ideas of things that they would enjoy.
8. Thank a Veteran
Do you work with a veteran? Thank them at work. Keep it simple. Veterans tend to be very humble people especially when it comes to talking or discussing their service. Consider doing something causal for them, like giving them a cookie, bagel or ice cream from a local shop. Maybe a flower or potted plant, or even just a small thank-you card. It doesn’t take very much to show your appreciation.
9. Share a Veteran’s Story
Talk with your veteran and ask them questions about their service, their experiences, or anything they are willing to share with you. Put their stories, papers, pictures, and anything they are willing to share with you in book or photo album. This will be a precious memento that they can share with others.
10. Serve a Veteran and Their Family
Some of these men and women have been through a lot. One of the best things you can do for them is to help them with their needs. Find something around their home that you can help them with, maybe they have a project they could use an extra pair of hands or two. These proud men and women will be grateful for whatever you can do to help. You could even call your local VA and see if they know of anything you can do to help a veteran.
11. Donate to Veterans
There are several charities that help veterans in need. Consider making a donation to these charities on Veterans Day.
12. Visit a Veterans Hospital or an Assisted Living Facility Nearby
Visit a veterans hospital or an assisted living facility nearby. You could take gifts, flowers, treats and activities that you could do with a veteran living in one of these places. They would enjoy talking with you more than any of the gifts you bring, but those are great icebreakers. Both your lives will be blessed as you hear stories about their service.
13. Create Patriotic Art
Take a child and an art project over to a veterans home. Spend time creating and talking together. This will provide hours of fun and memories for years.
All these activities are great ways to honor veterans, to remember, to teach patriotism and to help children and adults make memories with Veterans. As you figure out the best way to honor that important veteran in your life, remember it’s about the time you spend with them. They will appreciate that you took the time to honor them. What better way can you demonstrate your indebtedness for what they have gone through?
Thank you, each veteran, for serving our country and protecting our freedoms. Thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do. Your sacrifice means that we can safely do what we want to do. You have defended our freedoms and our peace with honor and courage. We honor you with our gratitude. As Winston Churchill said, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”
President Abraham Lincoln said, “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” I hope this Veterans Day we will take the opportunity to serve a fellow veteran and show him our love and appreciation. Let’s serve!
This post was all about ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day.
