By Lauren Sable Freiman
Every day is the perfect time to celebrate and thank the men and women who have protected our country through their military service. As Veterans Day approaches, consider thanking a veteran with one or more of these simple, yet meaningful gestures.
Say Thank You
Perhaps the simplest gesture is a “thank you” and a handshake. While it might not feel like an adequate way to express gratitude for a veteran’s honor, courage, commitment and time away from their family, this small gesture will go a long way not just on Veterans Day, but every day. Sincerely thank them for both their service and their willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Take the Time to Listen
Ask a veteran about their military service and take the time to really listen to their answer. Why did they enlist in their chosen branch of the military? Where did they train? What are their best or worst memories of their service? How has their military service influenced their everyday life? Giving veterans an outlet for sharing their memories will make them feel appreciated — and it will be an unforgettable firsthand lesson in history.
Teach a Child to Honor Veterans
Attend a Veterans Day Parade to applaud veterans and active-duty military, draw an American flag to display in the window, or deliver flowers to a vet in your life — anything to teach a child, in an age-appropriate way, how to honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and servicewomen.
Take them Out
Many stores and restaurants offer special promotions to military members and their families on Veterans Day. Honor a special vet by taking them out for lunch, dinner or coffee. If you don’t know a vet, support the businesses and restaurants that support our military.
Exercise the Right to Vote
Countless veterans express the same sentiment — don’t take for granted the rights they risked their lives to protect. Honor them by taking the time to get informed on issues and candidates — especially those issues of importance to the veteran community — and by using that civic power in an informed and responsible manner at the ballot box.
Hire a Veteran
Help a veteran or transitioning service member integrate into civilian life by considering them for open positions within your company. The skills gained through military service — problem solving, determination and being a team player — are important skills for many positions. Those who aren’t in a position to hire a veteran can lend their support to companies that do.
Support the VA or Local American Legion
Support our veterans by donating time or resources. Most organizations accept cash donations or items. For example, at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, donations can make a veteran’s stay more comfortable. Items such as magazines, telephone cards, sewing kits, spa items like nail files, radios, DVDs and DVD players, coffee and cookies, denture items and socks or non-skid slippers are helpful. There also are many roles for volunteers to fill, including making phone calls to remind vets of upcoming appointments, sorting donated books or magazines, or driving outpatients who are receiving chemotherapy, dialysis or other treatments. More information can be found at cleveland.va.gov/giving.
Become Informed
Show appreciation by learning the nuances that are important to veterans. Veterans Day is a day to thank and honor all who served honorably in the military, while Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died in service to their country. Learn the branches of service and their respective names for service members: Army = Soldiers, Navy = Soldiers, Coast Guard = Coast Guardsman, Marine Corps = Marines, Air Force = Air Men.
