4 Ways to Show Your Appreciation this Veterans Day
November 11, 2020
One day a year, we show our gratitude to the heroes that protect our democracy year-round. While 24 hours is simply not enough time, we have gathered 4 ways you can show your appreciation for our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day or all year long!
Donate to a VSO
For those that don’t already know, a VSO, or Veteran Service Organization, is a type of organization that offers our veterans a variety of services. This can include assistance with VA claims, financial grants, employment resources, opportunities to participate in community service projects near you, and much more.
In many Veteran Service Organizations, their services and support are free. So, if you have the means for it, donating to a VSO that resonates with you is a great opportunity to ensure the next veteran approaching them can receive the assistance they deserve. Check out our favorite VSO’s you should support!
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust
- DAV’s Charitable Service Trust helps provide low-income or at-risk veterans with services for crisis intervention; medical or mental healthcare; and countless other free programs and services to allow ill or injured veterans, their families, and caregivers to receive the care they need for stability beyond combat.
- Wounded Warriors Family Support
- This organization provides support to families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. Improving the quality of life in our military families with programs like caregiver respite, family retreats, mobility-equipped vehicles, job training, and assistance with unmet needs.
- Pat Tillman Foundation
- The Pat Tillman Foundation offers scholarships to military service members, veterans, and spouses with a high potential for impact as demonstrated through a proven track record of leadership, the continued pursuit of education, and the commitment of their resources to service beyond self.
Fly That Flag, Correctly
Yes, fly that flag! But fly it correctly, there are too many non-service members that do not understand the proper flag flying etiquette that comes with the American Flag.
Firstly, the flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset in the open, hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. If a patriotic effect is what you’re going for, it’s okay to fly 24/7 as long as it is properly illuminated during hours of darkness.
When flying the flag at half-staff, whether it be for the death of a government official or for remembrance. At half-staff, first hoist the flag to its peak for an instant and then lower to the half-staff position. The flag should again be raised to its peak before lowered for the day.
Hanging your flag up on a window or wall? There is a right way to do that too! Avoid hanging your flag backwards, upside down, or any other inappropriate fashion. If hanging vertically, the Union portion with the stars should go on the observer’s left.
Want to learn more about proper flag etiquette? Check out Home of Heroes!
Write to a Veteran
With the rough year undoubtedly all of us have had this year, receiving a letter in the mail can completely turn around your day, or week. Especially during COVID-19, when a lot of Veterans that are immunocompromised can not see as many people as they usually would, a letter would mean a great difference. Follow this list of websites to connect with a Veteran:
Ask a Veteran About Their Service
Talking to a Veteran about their service or experience is a great way to show your appreciation. But try to avoid abrupt or off-putting questions that may make them feel uncomfortable. It can seem challenging thinking of questions to ask a Veteran that will not upset them, but here are a few we think they will enjoy:
- What pushed you to join the military?
- Where did you serve most of your service?
- Were there any special people you met in service?
- Are there any photos from your service you would like to share?
Showing our appreciation for America’s Veterans takes a little bit more effort today. So instead of saying, “Thank you for your service,” try asking them how they came to serve! Take the time to connect with a veteran family member, friend, or colleague this Veterans Day. We know they will appreciate it!