Observed each year on Nov. 11, Veterans Day is a federal holiday that provides an opportunity to honor the military members who have served our country. If you want to know how you can show your gratitude and respect this Veterans Day, these suggestions offer plenty of opportunities for everyone.
4 Actions to Commemorate Veterans Day
Celebrating veterans doesn’t need to be difficult or elaborate. Something as simple as saying, “Thank you for your service,” can mean a lot. With this holiday coming up on the calendar quickly, here are a few more ways you can commemorate those who have sacrificed to ensure we continue to enjoy the freedoms we have today:
Extend Yourself
With something so profound, sometimes it can be difficult to determine where to start. Luckily there are many simple gestures that can be very meaningful. If you have veterans in your life, pick up the phone and give them a call. If you know veterans locally, offer to take them out to lunch or spend quality time together. In addition to expressing your gratitude for their service, take the time to listen and learn about their experiences.
Symbols of Support
When connecting directly isn’t an option, there are still plenty of ways to outwardly show support through your actions. Whether that means waking up and flying the American flag each morning or wearing a “Remember Our Veterans” pin on your shirt, these seemingly small gestures add up. They not only express your own feelings, but also remind others around us of the sacrifices veterans have made and the respect they deserve to be shown.
Moment of Silence
While it’s not widely known, the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act was signed into law in 2016. This piece of legislation directs the President to encourage Americans to voluntarily pause for two minutes of silence on Nov. 11 in honor of our country’s veterans. The goal is for the silence to occur at the same time across the country, beginning at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In addition to observing this yourself, encourage others to do the same and reflect on what it means to them.
Volunteer or Donate
There are many worthy causes supporting veterans that can always use assistance in the form of volunteer hours or donation dollars. Locally, some of the best places to start are the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts in your community. These organizations directly support veterans that are our friends and neighbors, and can also help guide you to other nonprofits that make a direct impact on current and former members of the armed forces.
In-Person Opportunities in Juno Beach & Palm Beach County
Connecting with the local community is a great way to show support on Veterans Day and throughout the entire year. These are some of the in-person opportunities and local happenings you can expect to find in the Juno Beach area:
Support a Veteran-Owned Business
A great way to help support the goals and aspirations of veterans after their military career is to shop at veteran-owned businesses. If you’re not sure where to start, the Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses maintains a directory to help consumers find entrepreneurs in their local area. Florida has the third-largest population of veterans in the United States, so there is no shortage of great options available.
Attend Events & Celebrations
Many communities in the Palm Beach area celebrate Veterans Day with parades and other festivities. This includes everything from a golf cart parade to flag raising ceremonies. If you’re unable to attend one of these events, it’s still a great opportunity to visit a memorial park or a National Veterans Cemetery to pay your respects and reflect on the contributions veterans have made to our country.
Find Freebies and Discounts
Whether you’re a veteran yourself or you have loved ones who have served in the military, many businesses and restaurants will offer discounts or free meals to veterans on Nov. 11. It never hurts to ask about what’s available, but Military.com has also compiled a comprehensive list of establishments known to extend special offers.
Ideas to Honor Veterans Day Virtually
As our world continues to evolve there’s an increasing number of virtual opportunities available. If in-person events just aren’t an option, here are several ways you can show support for veterans virtually:
Learn & Educate
To truly understand and appreciate the sacrifices veterans have made on behalf of our country, it’s critical to know the history that afforded us the freedoms we have today. Take advantage of online resources that can remind you of our rich history and the contributions by members of the armed forces. Both the Air Force and Navy offer virtual tours of their National Museums, and the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a detailed history of Veterans Day. Beyond educating yourself, you can honor veterans by spreading your knowledge to others.
Virtual Volunteerism
As businesses and schools have moved online, volunteer opportunities have followed suit. You can make a difference in a number of ways without ever having to leave your home. The nonprofit, Operation Gratitude, has a variety of ways to volunteer virtually ranging from letter writing to crafting handmade care packages.
Video Calls
Being behind a screen can’t match the experience of connecting in person, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be meaningful. Something as simple as seeing a familiar smiling face can lift spirits and make the veterans in your life feel appreciated. Whether you have five minutes or a few hours, think about who you can connect with this Veterans Day and extend an invitation.
Learn About The Waterford & Our Community
Located in Juno Beach, Florida, The Waterford is an exceptional community that honors our veterans and strives to help each resident thrive in the ways that are most meaningful to them. We offer a full continuum of care options so the members of our community don’t have to worry about the future and can focus on what they want to do now.
If you’re interested in learning more about The Waterford for yourself or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact us and get the conversation started. We have a dedicated and compassionate team that will answer your questions and provide any guidance they can.
