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Veterans Day is observed in the United States each year on November 11th and is a day dedicated to honoring all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both in times of war and times of peace. Originally known as Armistice Day to celebrate the end of World War I, the holiday was later expanded to honor every veteran.
Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day, as it honors living servicemembers as opposed to those who gave their lives for this country. It is a great time to express gratitude to those who served, and the following guide is designed to help you know how best to say thanks.
Thanking Veterans in Passing
Not every veteran is interested in an extensive discussion of their service, on Veterans Day or at other points. For acquaintances or strangers, most veterans will appreciate a brief greeting like “Happy Veterans Day” or “thank you for your service.” You can usually identify veterans—particularly on this holiday—by what they wear. Veterans who are proud of their service could wear patches, shirts, or hats with their branch or other identifying details on it.
Thanking Veterans in Your Life
One of the most impactful things you can do is personally thank a veteran in your life. While it is nice to hear words of gratitude from strangers, it is far more meaningful for veterans to know that those closest to them genuinely appreciate their service.
Your experience with this person can help guide exactly what this conversation looks like. Some veterans would rather not discuss specific events during their service, so you can always ask about positive memories or lessons they learned from that time in their life.
For many veterans, it is enough to feel appreciated through words or actions. You can always take the opportunity to bring a veteran in your life a meal or take them out to eat. Others might appreciate a handwritten note or letter that gives them a clear picture of how appreciative you are.
Say Thank You By Showing Up
Actions can often speak louder than words. On Veterans Day, you can show your local community that you support those who served by attending a Veterans Day celebration or parade. This means doing more than spending the day with friends and family. Attend an organized event dedicated to veterans and what they have done for all of us. Veterans Day is a great opportunity to show up and add your voice to the crowd cheering on our veterans.
Donate to Veteran-Related Charities
Giving money is a tangible way to show your support for veterans and the charities that provide for them. There are countless ways to provide financial support to veterans and causes related to them financially. There are also national groups looking for support. Spending your money is a great way to say thank you.
Say Thank You By Volunteering
One of the best ways you can show your appreciation for those who have served this country is by doing your part to help when they need it. There are countless ways to volunteer your time for veterans.
For example, Disabled American Veterans are always seeking the help of volunteers across the country. Through this organization, you can transport veterans to the VA for appointments, assist them in your local community, or organize a local DAV Community Impact Day.
You can also find volunteer opportunities directly at the VA and its Center for Development & Civic Engagement. The VA offers a wide variety of opportunities, including giving your time as a Volunteer Transportation Network Driver, greeting veterans when they arrive at the VA, or making phone calls to isolated veterans through the Compassionate Contact Corps.
Display the Flag and Follow the Flag Code
Displaying the U.S. flag is another great way to show support for veterans—as long as you do it correctly. There are strict rules on how the flag should be treated, stored, and displayed. They include the following:
- Never let the flag touch the ground.
- Do not drape the flag on the sides or back of a vehicle.
- Do not display a flag that is tattered or torn.
- Dispose of damaged flags respectfully by burning them.
- Don’t display the American flag below other flags.
- Do not use the flag for other purposes, like drapery or bedding
In general, the universal custom for displaying the flag is from sunrise to sunset. However, it is appropriate to fly the flag for 24 hours a day if a patriotic effect is desired.
Gang & Associates is Dedicated to Veterans
The attorneys of Gang & Associates are proud to dedicate our career to fighting for veterans. We are focused on helping veterans get the best possible outcome during the VA disability claims. When the VA denies a claim, we are ready to step in and aggressively pursue your appeal.
We can assist you in a variety of ways, from ensuring the details of your claim are correct to building a stronger case that your condition is related to your military service. Before you assume you are out of luck, let our team help you get the best possible outcome with your claim. Contact us right away to learn more.