On Veterans Day we honor those who have bravely served our country. This federal holiday provides a valuable reminder of the sacrifices made to afford us the freedoms we have today. If you’re wondering how you can show your support and commemorate the veterans in your community, here are some ideas to get you started.
4 Actions to Show Your Support for Veterans Day
Sometimes all it takes is a simple action to make others feel appreciated. Something as easy as saying, “Thank you,” can go a long way. As you consider how to show your support this Veterans Day, use these actions to help commemorate the event.
Make the Effort to Connect
When you lead a busy, active life, the time can seem to fly right by. If you haven’t had the chance to connect with loved ones and family members who have served in the armed forces, take the initiative and reach out. Whether it’s a quick phone call to check in or meeting up to share a meal, make the effort to let the veterans in your life know they’re appreciated and in your thoughts.
Show Symbols of Support
Even if you don’t know any veterans or active military members personally, there are many symbolic ways to show your support. The American flag is a tremendous symbol of freedom, and raising it daily at your home is a regular reminder of the sacrifices others have made. Yellow ribbons are also a sign of support for military personnel, and bring awareness to those who have served. No matter how you show your support, the meaningful gesture is what counts.
Make a Donation
If you want to offer your support where it’s most needed, there are many worthy causes that offer direct aid to veterans and their families. Charity Navigator put together a comprehensive list of highly-rated nonprofits dedicated to military service members. Additionally, local service organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts in the Kansas City area have opportunities for support through donations and volunteering.
Take a Moment of Silence
In 2016, the Moment of Silence Act was signed into law. This legislation directs the president to encourage all Americans to take two minutes of silence on Veterans Day. Scheduled to start at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 11, it allows people across the country to participate in unison. Beyond doing this symbolic gesture yourself, you can help make it more powerful by encouraging others to join and reflect on the greater meaning of the holiday.
Ways to Honor Veterans Near You
With close proximity to Overland Park and Kansas City, Prairie Village offers a number of local opportunities to Honor Veterans Day. Here are some of the ways you can make an in-person connection around this federal holiday.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Located in Kansas City, the National WWI Museum and Memorial hosts a series of special events to commemorate veterans throughout the entire weekend. This includes a number of free ceremonies, as well as half-price general admission for the public and free admission for veterans and active duty military.
National Parks
While it might require a bit of a trip outside the Prairie Village area, the National Park Service offers free admission to everyone on Veterans Day. This provides a great opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones in your life who have served and learn about their experiences. In addition to free admission on Nov. 11, the NPS offers free access to parks for veterans all year long.
Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Between Kansas and Missouri the area is home to more than 500,000 veterans. This means they’re actively involved in the community as friends, neighbors and business owners. Perhaps one of the most direct ways you can support veterans is using your shopping dollars at their establishments. There are numerous directories online that can connect you with businesses in your area that are owned and operated by those who have served our country.
Ways to Honor Veterans Virtually
Sometimes connecting in person just isn’t an option. Luckily, one of the benefits of technology is that it can help bring us together even when we’re far apart. Consider these options for honoring Veterans Day virtually.
Volunteer Virtually
There are a number of ways you can spend your time making a difference for current and former military members without ever having to leave your home. Operation Gratitude is leading the charge with several virtual volunteer options ranging from sewing and knitting items for care packages to letter writing. This is an effective, simple activity that makes a direct impact on those who are currently serving our country.
Learn Something New
To gain a greater appreciation for the service veterans provide to our country, teach yourself something new about the history of our armed forces. Whether that’s watching a documentary from your favorite streaming service or taking a virtual tour of the Navy or Air Force National Museums, there’s a ton of content available online to expand your horizons. Better yet, take what you’ve learned and share it with others to continue to spread the knowledge.
Have a Video Chat
Sometimes seeing a familiar, smiling face is all it takes to lift your spirits. Consider the veterans or active duty military in your life and set up a video chat to check in. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, making a personal connection to let them know they’re appreciated and cared for can have a significant impact.
The Community at Claridge Court
Located just outside Kansas City in Prairie Village, Claridge Court is a community that’s dedicated to honoring our residents and helping them live their best lives. With comfortable amenities and the highest-quality care, we’re unlike any other community in the area.
If you’d like to experience everything Claridge Court has to offer or just have a few questions, our friendly team is here to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time and we’re happy to show you how we can meet your needs.
