How to Honor a Veteran on Veterans Day

Dear Donna,

My dad was in the service. I want to do something special for him on Veterans Day to show my appreciation. How do I honor him?

Sincerely,

Monica from Holland, MI

Honoring a Veteran on Veterans Day

Dear Monica,

It’s great that you are looking for a way to honor your dad on Veterans Day. For many, this holiday means a day off from work or school. Some may not fully understand its military connections.

To give some background, Veterans Day takes place on November 11th every year. It is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring those who have served or are currently serving in the military.

It’s not uncommon for people to confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day or Independence Day. In the simplest words, Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives while serving our country. Independence Day is not affiliated with the military. It is a time to recognize the Declaration of Independence.

Now that you understand the significance of Veterans Day, here are a few ways you can honor veterans.

4 Ways to Honor a Veteran

1. Say “thank you.”

A simple way to honor a veteran is to give thanks. When you come into contact with a friend, family member, or anyone else who has previously served or is currently serving in the military, thank them for their service. You can say this in person or over the phone. A handwritten thank you card is also a good option. It can be a keepsake for years to come.

2. Attend a community event.

There are many parades and other community events that take place on Veterans Day. You can show your support by attending one of these events. It may even be fun to bring a veteran you know or other loved ones with you. By including others in your festivities, they too can show their support.

3. Ask a veteran about their service.

Inviting a veteran out for a meal or a cup of coffee can be another great way to show respect towards a veteran’s service. During the outing, you can ask them about their experience in the military. Listening to their stories will make them feel appreciated. Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:

• What was your position in the military?
• Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the service?
• Why did you enlist?

4. Donate.

Donating to an organization that supports veterans and their families is another wonderful way to honor those who have served. Here are a few organizations you may want to explore:

• Wounded Warrior Project
• Dogs on Deployment
• Honor Flight Network

Veterans Day Is Important

Veterans Day is a time to show respect towards Americans who have served or are currently serving our country. Taking time to honor our veterans lets them know you truly appreciate their dedication and service.

I hope this helps you find a way to honor your father on Veterans Day. Please tell him Heritage Senior Communities says, “Thank you for your service!”

Regards,

Donna

Heritage Senior Communities Supports Veterans

Heritage Senior Communities, including our Appledorn location, provides support to seniors throughout Michigan. Contact us today to schedule a private tour.