Thank you never seems enough when it comes to giving gratitude to those selfless men and women who risked and gave their lives for our country’s freedom. How do you thank millions of men and women from the bottom of your heart for bravely doing what they were called to do (countless without choice or thought), so we can safely do what we’re free to choose?
Rather than just thanking our veterans for their service and dedication to our amazing country, why not take time to learn a little about where Veterans Day came to be and maybe how we can all help veterans in our area know they are not forgotten. There are only a few couple hundred veterans alive from WWII and fewer from Vietnam. All our veterans have experienced history, they are pieces of what made our history, and they share in the living proof of so many of our country’s struggles, sacrifices, achievements, and victories. Sadly though, every time we lose a veteran, we lose a piece of history.
Veterans Day is today, November 11th. Veterans Day is celebrated this day, every year. Originally called Armistice Day, November 11th, 1919 was the 1st anniversary of the end of World War I. With the influence of soldiers of the times, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Unlike Memorial Day, which is honored in May for those service people who have passed away, Veterans Day remembers and reflects on all our esteemed service people past and present. Presently, many, but not all, schools have this day off because in 1971, Veterans Day was declared a federal holiday.
Whether past or present, let us continue to remember and respect our veterans. Thoughts and prayers are wonderful and appreciated but what about taking that “Pay It Forward” approach and showing veterans they are remembered and their fight for our freedom through their complete altruism will never go unnoticed. There are so many avenues people could take to continue showing our veterans how much they mean. A few examples of this might be volunteering in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, donating clothing or gently used items to a shelter or foundation that collects things for veterans and their families like:
VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America): https://pickupplease.org/schedule-ppc/?outlet=penn Phone# 800-775-8387
· Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust.
· Homes for Our Troops. …
· Puppies Behind Bars. …
There are so many foundations out there helping veterans, but they can’t do it without your support and donations. The oldest and largest veterans service foundation is the VFW (https://www.vfw.org/foundation) They care for our veterans, service people, and their families in countless ways and are always looking for more altruistic, passionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of service people and their families. They offer our military members scholarships and grants, financial assistance for housing and other needs as well as transportation and resources for other needs our military and their families may need.
Cell Phones for Soldiers: To donate your used or unwanted cell phone please contact:https://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/ Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit organization that provide our troops access to reach their families through theirMinutes That Matter Program.
While sending care packages to active duty members, Operation Gratitude also has “Welcome Home Heroes” initiative sends care packages to veterans.
“Stand Down” to help homeless vets rebuild their lives-somewhat sounds like one of the projects I created with one of my colleagues for my master’s classes called Wishes for Our Warriors. They are a grassroots community event that provides a temporary ‘base of operations’ where homeless veterans and their families can access hygiene essentials, clean clothes, warm meals, medical care, and emotional and legal counseling. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans provides the framework for Stand Down, and volunteers willing to dedicate the time to collect things needed to help or work with the homeless. https://parade.com/297092/lindsaylowe/7-ways-to-help-veterans-soldiers-and-their-families/
Thank you so much again, and best wishes to all of our veterans, including those who have gone before us, for their dedication, bravery, and love for their country. Words cannot express enough how much you all mean to us for everything you have done and given to keep us safe.
