SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 – The grandest gestures pale in comparison to the safety and freedom that Veterans have given us. On Veterans Day and the other three hundred and sixty-four days of the year, dedicate your skills, time, and money to give back to the ones who have sacrificed everything for America, whether you know them personally or not.
There are several different ways to show your gratitude and appreciation to Veterans and their families. Aside from making financial donations to related causes and visiting war memorials, you could consider volunteering and voting for Veteran candidates. Hiring a veteran is also a viable option if you are a business owner.
Here is a list of things you can do to support Veterans:
Vote for Veteran Candidates
To begin with, you could vote for Veteran candidates. They can contribute to both local communities and our country as a whole by providing a fresh perspective on various economic and social problems. On top of that, they can elevate the voices of Veterans and military families through electoral endorsements and progressive policies.
With that in mind, make a list of local Veteran candidates and research their platforms and what they stand for. If you find someone you like and align with politically, support them by volunteering for their political campaign and attending their events. If you want to help them in other ways, you can learn how you can support Veteran candidates here.
Donate to Veterans Organizations
You could help Veterans by donating to an organization that provides Veterans and their families with things they might need. Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust and Hope For The Warriors are both great options to ensure that military families have the economic support they need.
There are many ways to contribute. You could make a financial donation or host your own fundraiser. Numerous charities also take food, clothing, or other items. For example, Volunteers of America also accept vehicles. The proceeds from these fundraisers help the organization do more to improve the lives of hundreds of Veterans.
Visit a War Memorial
It might not be something you could do today, depending on where you live. Nevertheless, you should visit a war memorial during your next road trip. At the World War I Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you can remind yourself about the sacrifices of others and help ensure their legacy lives on.
Before you visit a particular memorial, research what you can and cannot do while at the memorial site. For example, for respect and safety reasons, you cannot wade in the Rainbow Pool at the World War II Memorial.
Become a Volunteer
Donating your time to the health and recovery of Veterans is just as important as donating money or various household items. Consider showing your support for Veterans by volunteering at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and medical facilities. To learn more, make sure to visit the website of your local facility.
Keep in mind that specific volunteering opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs will require you to be subject to a fingerprinting process. Depending on state law, the nature of your volunteer work, and other variables, you could also be asked to participate in a full background check.
Hire a Veteran
If you are in the position to do so, you could hire a Veteran. Veterans are adaptable and trainable individuals with a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities. Aside from that, military service ensures they can work in a team and understand the importance of bringing people together to pursue common goals.
The easiest way to hire a Veteran is by posting a job opening on your state job bank. Following that, you should get in touch with a Veterans Employment Representative at your local American Job Center. Let that person know you want to hire a Veteran and provide them with the details of your job listing. They should be able to help you find qualified Veterans in no time.
Write Thank You Cards
One of the simplest ways to show your support for Veterans is by writing a thank you card. You could drop it off at a local Veterans Affairs hospital or mail it to a Veteran you know. You could also send it to a random Veteran through the Operation Gratitude program.
If you write a thank you card, make sure it is personalized. Try to come up with something specific and heartfelt. Mention how much you appreciate their sacrifice and what it means to you and your family. You could also talk about how you plan on showing your support for Veterans in the future.
Listen To Their Stories
Sometimes, the best way to show your support is to simply listen. Show Veterans that you care about their experiences by listening to their stories. You could do this by attending a Veteran-focused event or by reaching out to Veteran organizations in your area.
If you want to connect with a Veteran one-on-one and do not know anyone who has served, you could reach out to a Veterans Affairs hospital or medical facility in your area. They will likely have a list of Veterans willing to share their stories with you. You could also try contacting your local Veterans Affairs office.
In Conclusion
Veterans decided to step away from their loved ones and lifestyles to keep our country safe. That kind of sacrifice deserves our most profound respect on Veterans Day and beyond. You can show yours in several different ways.
For instance, if you have the means to do so, you could make a charitable donation, hire a Veteran, or volunteer for an organization that supports Veterans and their families. Aside from that, you might want to vote for Veteran candidates or visit a war memorial. In the end, any effort that comes from your heart should be appreciated, no matter how small it is.
Sara Kurczyńska is a content writer with a degree in cultural studies. She enjoys writing about American history, literature, and culture.