November 02, 2021
You can show your support for veterans in ways big and small.
On Veterans Day, you can put your sentiments of gratitude and appreciation into action. Here are some meaningful ways to honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country:
1. Connect with a Cause
Volunteer for a veterans' cause that matters to you, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps empower injured vets and their families. The group provides information on how you can fundraise online, run a 5k (there are a number of nationwide events), or simply support the charity through the purchase of branded merchandise like T-shirts, insulated bottles and even keychains.
The organization also shares advocacy alerts on its Facebook page about opportunities to sign petitions, write letters and make your voice heard on issues affecting wounded service members.
2. Send a Virtual Message from the Heart
Remember a veteran with an e-card from American Greetings, Blue Mountain or DaySpring. Or take it up a notch and compile video messages from friends and family near and far, using a service like Tribute. Bonus: The latter is free for active-duty service members.
3. Home Sweet Honor
Put your gratitude on full display and inspire a sense of patriotism in your neighborhood. Adorn your lawn with a Veteran's Day garden flag, customized banner, yard sign or some red, white and blue outdoor decorations.
4. Screen a Military-Themed Movie
Take time to watch films that provide authentic depictions of the military experience. Remember the reasons we celebrate each year with one of these poignant and powerful favorites available through Cox On Demand or streaming: American Sniper, Black Hawk Down, The Hurt Locker, Saving Private Ryan or Patton.
5. Transform Your Travel Perks Into a Tribute
Donate frequent flyer miles from Frontier, United, Delta and Alaska Airlines to Hero Miles, which assists military members and their families with travel to and from a military or VA medical center. The group also has a Hotels for Heroes program that lets you donate hotel points from Best Western, Wyndham, Marriott and Choice Hotels to a similar initiative.
6. Listen and Learn
One of the best ways to honor vets is to learn from the past and place value on the sacrifices of others. The American Veterans Center's Veterans Chronicles podcast presents hour-long interviews with veterans about pivotal moments in our nation's history.
7. DIY Kindness
Have your kids color thank-you cards and pictures to send to aging veterans in a local retirement home. You can find a number of free printable options online, including Thank you for keeping me free, a Veterans Day soldier and a sheet in which every branch of the armed forces is represented.
8. Make the Money You Spend Matter
Shop at a veteran-owned, small business in your community. The American Veteran Owned Business Association maintains a state-by-state directory; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a searchable database; and the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans & Military Families presents a Military-Owned Shopping Guide categorized by products and services.
You can also keep it simple. Calling a veteran you know to thank them for their service can mean a lot, as can sending a card, email or text.
