Honor Veterans and Active Military on November 11 Beyond Saying ‘Thank You’
November 11 was adopted as a day of remembrance one year after the armistice agreement ended World War I in […]
Cate Staff
November 11 was adopted as a day of remembrance one year after the armistice agreement ended World War I in 1918. In fact, before it became widely known as Veterans Day, it was originally called Armistice Day, and in 1938 it became a federal holiday. Following World War II and the Korean War, veteran organizations were adamant about Congress swapping “Armistice” with “Veterans,” which later happened in 1954.
According to Goodgoodgood, each year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) releases an official poster for Veterans Day. The theme of 2022 is “Honor.” “Honor reflects the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty,” the VA shared on its site.
Veteran’s Day has become a day of recognition, respect, and gratitude for those who have and continue to risk their lives for the safety and protection of others. Here are ways that you can celebrate, listen and thank veterans of all wars this year.
Give Veterans More Than Just the Clichés
Naturally, on Veteran’s Day, we say ‘thank you’ to those who have served and those who continue to serve. Other efforts include: buying from veteran small business owners and donating to veterans doing good or organizations that support veterans. But, like everything, there’s always another step that can be taken.
Meaningful and Unique Ways to Celebrate Our Heros
- Gratitude comes in many forms. Going out of your way to say ‘thank you’ to someone in uniform is a kind way to show your appreciation but how about taking it one step further? This year, try writing a letter, postcard, or email and encourage others to do the same. Soldier’s Angels are just one organization that can help you get started.
- Beyond ‘thank you’ is starting a conversation. Find an appropriate moment to sit down and genuinely ask questions about their story, their work, and ambitions. Ask them what world-changing thing they’re doing right now. Remind them that they’re a hero on and off the battlefield.
- Celebrate the good news happening in the veteran community such as:
- One in five veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Department of Defense. And, art being a proven solution to addressing mental health, many veterans have adopted the hobby. CreatiVets and The Veterans Art Project are just two organizations that use different art forms including songwriting, visual arts, music, and creative writing to help veterans and their families cope with service-related trauma through self-expression.
- I’ve previously shared that National Parks give visitors the opportunity to admire their beauty for free and, Veteran’s Day is one of those opportunities. Go for a walk and encourage others to do the same. Admire the world we are surrounded by and the freedom with have within it thanks to our strong military members.