Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the US that honors all American military veterans, living or passed, who have served in the US Armed Forces. A special focus is placed on living veterans who have honorably served their country in times of war or peace. Every year on November 11th, Veterans Day—also known as Armistice Day—is observed to remember the end of World War I.

Regardless of where you live or how much time you have available, there are many ways to honor a veteran, whether a loved one or a complete stranger, who has dedicated his or her life to defending our values and democracy.

American flag for Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labour Day

Here are 5 simple ways to show our veterans and their families your appreciation.

1. Say “thank you!”

   Make an effort to simply say “thank you!” if you know a veteran, whether they live nearby or across the country. If your schedule is jam-packed and you don’t have time to visit face-to-face, a quick phone call or text message will be appreciated.

Want to do something more personal than a call or a text? Send a handwritten note or a care package containing their favorite snacks, a small gift, and other items to a veteran. This is an especially thoughtful option because the veterans will be able to keep your letter or gift for a lifetime!

2. Volunteer

   Volunteer to help veterans in need. There are many ways to volunteer, including fundraising efforts, or volunteering at a veteran-specific shelter or organization, such as the Veteran’s Hospital in your area, or other trusted military and veteran service organizations.

3. Donate to Veteran Organizations

   There are many ways to show your appreciation for veterans but donating to veteran organizations may be one of the most meaningful. Here are a couple of organizations that you can donate to and items they may need:

• The American Red Cross accepts monetary donations to help veterans in need. With monetary donations, Red Cross medical and non-medical volunteers can provide care, comfort, and therapy items at veteran hospitals and military treatment facilities all over the world. They provide free tools and resources to assist military personnel, veterans, their families, and caregivers in dealing with stress and challenges, reducing isolation, and gaining more knowledge and skills. The Red Cross also assists American veterans and their families in obtaining veterans’ benefits.
• The Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors who were injured, ill, or wounded while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. In addition to numerous helpful resources, WWP uses your monetary donation to provide over 20 programs and services to injured service members and their families, which are divided into four categories: Mind, Body, Economic Empowerment, and Engagement.
• The Disabled American Veterans Charity (DAV) accepts monetary, vehicle, and even real estate donations to provide lifetime assistance to veterans of all eras and their families, benefiting over 1 million veterans each year. By hosting job fairs, providing resources, and assisting veterans in finding rewarding employment, the DAV has been a trailblazer in enabling them to benefit from the chance to pursue the American Dream that their sacrifices have made possible.

4. Give Personal Assistance

   Inviting a veteran to a popular neighborhood restaurant or a cozy coffee shop is sure to brighten their day. Make a list of the questions you want to ask about their military service. Even more exciting than the meal will be the chance to be the center of attention for about an hour!

Do the housework for me! This modest expression of gratitude says a lot. If you have even a half-hour to spare, offer to help a vet with household chores like vacuuming, dusting, doing laundry, or mowing the lawn.

5. Attend a Local Event

   Attend your city’s veterans’ events with your entire family to show your support in person! Contact your local VA office for information on Veterans Day events and celebrations in your area. This Veterans Day, whether you have five minutes or five hours, you can make a significant difference in the life of a veteran.

We at Radiant Senior Living celebrate the many veterans who have chosen to live in our communities. Each of our communities is partnered with Elderlife Financial to help guide seniors through the process of applying for VA benefits to help pay for care. Follow us on Facebook to learn more about our communities and to see updates about our Veterans Day Celebrations.