How to Honor a Veteran and Celebrate Veteran's Day

Every American owes a debt of gratitude to our veterans.

A veteran is any man or woman who has served in the armed forces of the United States. Veteran's Day is a Federal Holiday celebrated on November 11 each year to honor and celebrate those who have served our nation. Its date marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. Parades, speeches and services at Arlington National Cemetery in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier regularly mark the holiday. Each American citizen owes a great debt to our veterans. How can we honor them?

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Veterans have given up so much to offer their service to our nation. Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

   Recognize the sacrifice each veteran has made in his own life and that of his loved ones. As we enjoy the freedom his service has protected, he has missed the birth of his children, the first day of school, children's birthdays and Christmas with loved ones. Trauma was the way of life nearly each day in the service with personal comfort almost never considered. These joys were given up by a few, willingly, so they did not have to be surrendered by all.

2. Each veteran has a powerful story to tell. Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

   Consider the story each veteran has to tell. A story never shared is forgotten, not by the storyteller, but the world. The experiences of the American veteran in the last century are remarkable, with power to impact future generations in unimaginable ways.

3. Invite a veteran, young or old, to share her story with you, your class or your children. Make her feel welcome and appreciated. Send her a small token of your appreciation, such as a thoughtful card, afterwards.

4. Visit a local veteran's organization. Veterans' organizations support those who have served, educate the community and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in its mission. Two nationwide organizations with local offices that offer education and services to veterans are the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.

5. Thank a veteran for her service. Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

   Thank a veteran personally for his service. Express your gratitude and respect to each veteran you encounter.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sensitive and respectful of the trauma and wounds a veteran has experienced; focus on his service and your appreciation.

References

• "The World Book Encyclopedia"; Veteran's Day; Sharron Uhler; 2004
• VFW: We Know What's Important

Resources

• VFW
• The American Legion