With Veterans Day coming up, you might be wondering how you can show your appreciation to the veterans in your life and community. There are plenty of large and small gestures you can take to make a veteran’s day and to perform an act of kindness. Here are 4 thoughtful ways to honor Veteran’s Day and all those that serve our country.
Donate to a Veterans’ Charity
If you’d like to help out but don’t have the time to volunteer, you can always make a donation to a reputable organization that represents veterans With more than 40,000 U.S. charities dedicated to assisting U.S. veterans, you might not know which one to choose. Consider donating to a charity that helps out veterans in your area, or perhaps offer funding to organizations that provide support on a nationwide level.
Take Part in the National Two Minutes of Silence
Whether you’re at work, at home, or in your car, you might consider taking a few minutes to silently reflect on the impact members of the U.S. armed forces have made in the country. If there are any veterans who mean a lot to you, take your time to reflect on your gratitude for these special individuals. This two-minute period takes place at the same time nationally, but different times depending on individual time zones.
Wear a Poppy
Veterans Day is a significant day for former members of the U.S. armed forces. Many veterans wear hats, pins or uniforms to share their pride in their service. If you are not a veteran but want to support the veterans in your community and around the country, you can wear an American flag pin or red poppy to show your gratitude for these service members. You might be wondering what the significance of the red poppy is. Its connection to Veterans Day comes from the famous World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” in which the red flowers were the first to bloom in the fields after battles in France and Belgium. Poppies are also considered a symbol of appreciation for veterans in various European countries.
Send a Gift to a Veteran
One way to show your gratitude to a veteran you know is by sending them a thoughtful present. You might decide to bake them a fresh batch of their favorite cookies or get them a gift card to their favorite restaurant. Maybe you’d rather give them something that will brighten up their home? A nice selection of Veteran’s Day flowers bring color and life to any home. When you send someone a bouquet of flowers, you will show your gratitude for their service. When they see their bouquet out of the corner of their eye, they will think of your kindness.
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