Written by : Laura Coppedge

8 Ways to Express Gratitude to Our Veterans

Closeup of grunge American flag

Too often we forget that our freedom and pursuit of happiness comes at a cost. Throughout our history, service men and women have been putting their lives on the line, paying the ultimate price, so we can be afforded the luxuries of being a free people. Now more than ever we need to thank the people who willingly choose to put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. Whether its donating time, money or just a simple thank you… even the smallest gesture can go a long way in a veteran’s life to let them know they are appreciated.

Here are a few things to do to show your appreciation:

  1. Fly the flag. Fly the American flag today in honor of our veterans. If you need more information about when and how to display the flag read The United States Flag Code or read more at infoplease.com.
  2. A personal thank you. Call your dad, mom, friend, grandpa, son, daughter and personally thank them for their service.
  3. A public thank you. Write a Facebook post, send a tweet, post a picture on Instagram. Show your gratitude to all.
  4. Greet a veteran when they arrive home. Go to your local airport website and find out about greeting veterans as they come home.
  5. Send a care package. Operation Gratitude and Any Solider are just two of many organizations who make it easy to let a deployed serviceman or servicewoman know you are grateful.
  6. Visit a veteran. Stop by your neighbor’s house, your local nursing home or hospital.
  7. Hire a veteran. Thank a serviceman or woman by giving them a job.
  8. Donate to a veteran’s charity. Here are links to just a few: Wounded Warrior Project, Fisherhouse, Fallen Heroes Fund, and for a wonderful list of many ways you can donate and help please visit military.com.

How did you thank a veteran today or this week? Write to us in the comments below. 

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