How to Visit a Veteran's Hospital on Memorial Day

There are 1306 Veteran's Association hospitals across the United States that serve thousands of veterans from America's wars every year. Why not visit one close to you this Memorial Day to remind its veterans that their service to their country has not been forgotten?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Go to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website (see Resources below). Find the "Health Care" tab on the left side and click on "Facility Locator."
2. Enter your zip code in the box provided on the "Facility Locator" page.
3. View the results page, which will include the 5 closest facilities to your home (including veterans affairs offices), along with their distance in miles.
4. Decide which veteran's hospital or medical center you would like to visit and click on its link.
5. Click on "View the website," if provided for the hospital.
6. Find the tab on the left side that says "Volunteer."
7. Call the provided number to inquire about procedure and how to organize a visit on Memorial Day. It is likely that the facility will have some type of celebration organized for Memorial Day, and will be able to direct you accordingly.
8. Ask how your talents may be best used to help the veterans have an enjoyable day. The hospital might welcome someone with musical talent for entertainment, or someone to make fresh baked goods.
9. Enjoy your visits with the veterans on Memorial Day. Take a genuine interest in each individual and ask him to tell you about his wartime experiences.

Tips & Warnings

• Make volunteering at your local veterans hospital a regular occurrence. Although veterans receive attention on days such as Memorial Day, they are often forgotten during the rest of the year. There is always a need for volunteers to complete a variety of tasks. Current needs can be explained by the volunteer coordinator or by filling out a volunteer form on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
• Visiting hours might be restricted due to physical therapy schedules and other hospital routines. The volunteer coordinator will inform you of any restrictions when you call.
• Be sure to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of the veterans. Ask the volunteer coordinator about things to keep in mind while talking to the veterans about their lives and experiences.