Giving proper gratitude to our veterans and troops is probably not something that you think about frequently. You might contemplate it on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, or September 11, but otherwise, many of us are not as thankful as we could be. If you don’t know any veterans directly, it can be difficult to know who to thank, or how. There are many ways to show appreciation! Keep reading so you can express your gratitude for the people who protect your freedom and rights.
Thank You for Your Service
Although it’s standard to thank a veteran for their service on Veteran’s Day, any day of the year is encouraged. There is never a bad time to convey your appreciation of the troops’ sacrifices. After all, you don’t reserve “I love you” for only Valentine’s Day, right? If you don’t live near a military base, you may not know how to find a service member. When you’re ready to show your admiration to a veteran, try some of these options inspired by this article:
- A quick Google™ search can show you the nearest veteran-owned businesses … go support one!
- If a service member happens to be at the restaurant you’re eating at, ask your server if you can pick up their tab.
- Tour a nursing home and find out if any of the residents are veterans. Try to introduce yourself, learn more about them, and share their stories.
- Do some investigating and find out what sort of issues are affecting veterans in your community and how you can help inspire positive change in their lives.
- Another Google™ search can reveal where you might be able to volunteer your time (organizations like Disabled American Veterans and Veterans Moving Forward).
These are just a few big ways that you can support the troops. However, there are also several small ways to thank them that—although seemingly insignificant—hold a lot of meaning for those who have served.
Pay Your Respects
Showing your gratitude doesn’t necessarily have to be to the service members who are still with us. If you know of a local memorial site or cemetery, go pay your respects.
Some of the ways that you can honor the fallen are:
- Take a quiet stroll through your local veteran’s cemetery. Feel free to leave flowers at the base of a headstone or stop and say a quiet word of thanks.
- Research the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, as many civilians forget the meaning of each.
- Find out more about your family’s military history, so you can honor any of your family members who have served.
These few suggestions are outstanding ways to commemorate the people who paid the ultimate sacrifice. If you’re looking for more ways to honor the men and women who gave their lives to protect our country and many others, check out this article.
Learning How to Honor the Heroes
Thanking active service members and giving your respects to those who have died is crucial to showing your appreciation to our troops. However, there are other ways to honor these people who might have a longer lasting effect than “Thank you for your service.” If you’d really like to make a difference in the way people celebrate our troops, you should consider educating yourself on what the different branches of the military do for our country. By staying informed, you can keep your friends and family in the loop and ensure that they know just how much work is done for us daily.
Here’s a basic understanding of what each branch does for our country:
Army: Protects our country primarily by land and air but also has a marine presence.
Navy: Protects our country primarily by sea but has airborne forces and land forces as well.
Marines: Usually the first forces on the ground in a conflict but are a sister service with the Navy. They also protect naval bases and guard U.S. embassies.
Airforce: Keeps us safe at home and overseas through aerial support.
Coast Guard: Keeps our waterways safe during peaceful times is their main mission, as directed by Homeland Security. During war time, their direction shifts to the Navy and assisting it in the defense against foreign enemies. They are not only a branch of the military but also an agency of federal law enforcement.
Space Force: The newest branch of the military, protecting us in space. Their purpose is to develop military force and systems in space. Previously they were part of the Air Force’s Space Command, but are now their own entity.
If you’d like to learn more about each branch, you can check out this article. To take a closer look at the sheer volume of individuals employed by these branches, what they’re doing, and where they’re doing it, read this article.
We Are Safe
Thanks to the brave folks who watch 360 degrees of America (and the space above), we can feel safe from foreign attacks and threats. When you have the time and feel like showing your gratitude, consider any of the options listed above. Doing so will show those members of the service that they are highly valued.
While you’re thanking the people who protect this country, it wouldn’t hurt to relay some positive news.
