 It's SOOOO easy now, thanks to technology, even if you don't want to sit and color with your child! You should celebrate Veteran's Day. Celebrate one, if not all Veterans, if you can. Veteran's Day is a national holiday. The number 11 is key! The 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month is when WWI ended in 1918! That deserves a celebration, or remembrance, because it was one of those events that changed the world. Veteran's Day is not to honor the servicemen that have passed, like Memorial Day. It is the day to honor those that gave so much of themselves so that you get to be home - sleeping safe and sound - with your family at night; the Veterans that sacrificed their families and lives to protect us. Their patriotism deserves a little bit of recognition for your piece of mind. Here are some simple ways to thank a Veteran today: 1. Smile and say, "Thank you." - Heading out to the supermarket or the gas station today? When you see someone wearing a United States of America Veteran's hat that they love to display so proudly, smile at them and say the two magic words, 'Thank you." We are all wearing masks but your eyes smile as well. They will see it! Right along with a simple wave. They will appreciate it. 2. Send a card. Write a simple note or a picture to a veteran. Whether you send it as a Facebook or Instagram post, or the snail mail route, just do it! Whether it is a family member, or a note to someone at a Veteran's center. While we have young veterans, some of our older service member are living long past their friends and family members and would love to receive mail - no matter which war they served in! There are wounded soldiers that still display their patriotism, proudly, that wish they can get up and run around! Don't forget about the Veterans whose scars you cannot see - that have PTSD, or the ones that may have taken their lives. Mental health is serious! You would be surprised at how a simple note, or "shout out," can make them feel! Have you heard of Soldier's Angels? They offer a program where you can write to a service member. It only takes a few minutes of your time and although they are active servicemen, not Veterans yet, you can help keep their spirits up and let them know they are appreciated and loved. 3. Make a Donation. - This can be done in several forms such as:
If you have the time, your local center would appreciate card writing, sewing of items, care packages and more. Find out more on the site above. Looking to clear out some "junk" from your closets if you haven't done it during the quarantine? Donate to the thrift shops that actually benefit Veterans such as Amvets, or Vietnam Veterans of America. You could also support a small business of a Veteran. One may be looking to earn additional funds due to lack of work; whether COVID affect their employment status to the global pandemic, a disability, or lack of employment opportunities. 4. Show your Patriotism. I know we are all stressed out right now after the elections but you have love for your country no matter how divided we are! Show your patriotism by hanging an American flag from your window or flagpole. Stick flags in your grass. wear a patriotic t-shirt, hat, or another item to show you love your country. It will show our Veterans that they were fighting for love! 5. Watch & Learn - Learn about a war. Learn about Veteran's lives. Watch a special dedication program on TV, or You Tube. Watching allows the opportunity to hear some firsthand experiences which may not have been shared previously. Veterans remember their experiences at different times, or when they are willing to open up and share parts of those experiences. Then, there is always Netflix! There are several movies worth watching that are child appropriate. 6. Take a Virtual Tour - Google Earth is phenomenal! Not to mention that during our global pandemic, many institutions offered several, FREE, opportunities to learn from them. Have you ever been to Washington, D.C? No? Take a virtual tour of the WWII Memorial! Take tours of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. You could even watch the wreath laying ceremony that occurs at Arlington National Cemetery. If your child doesn't know what that is, it's a wonderful teaching moment. Whatever you choose to do, don't let the day go by where you can have a teaching moment of compassion, empathy, patriotism and simply - humanity. We are all in this together!
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