Our country has established two holidays ~ Veterans Day and Memorial Day ~ to honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States. Unlike Memorial Day (the day we set aside to remember and honor military personnel who died in the service of our country), Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime, as well as those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. Veterans Day is our opportunity to thank Veterans and their families for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served ~ not only those who died ~ have sacrificed and done their duty.
In addition to the Veterans Day National Ceremony held each year on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., communities across America plan their own ways to observe the holiday ~ but you need not wait until that day to reach out to veterans and their families.
At AARP's Create the Good site, you'll find dozens of ways to give a lift to military families in your local community.
Joining Forces is another national initiative that encourages all of us to support our military service members and their families with jobs, education, and health-related issues.
Our Veterans put everything on the line to protect our freedom. We may never be able to repay them for their sacrifice, but we can show them just how much we appreciate all that they’ve done. Everyone can do something to let Veterans know how much we appreciate their service. Visit www.volunteer.va.gov. What will you do?
Award-winning actor Gary Sinise is probably remembered most for his roles as Lt. Dan from the movie “Forrest Gump” and Detective Mac Taylor on CBS-TV’s “CSI: New York.” But did you know he also works tirelessly on behalf of our active duty military and Veterans? In addition to touring with the United Service Organizations (USO) and entertaining troops with his “Lt. Dan Band,” he also volunteers his time to help the VA communicate to Veterans and the public through Public Service Announcements (PSAs) like this one.
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Related Articles and Resources:
- Veterans and Friend Grief
- Friend Grief and The Military: Band of Friends
- A True Story of Veterans Who Came Home sAnd Found New Ways to Serve
- Resources for Service Members And Their Families
- On Veterans Day, Be Careful with The Word Hero
- Active Heroes: Military Veteran Suicide
- 5 Meaningful Ways You Can Honor Veterans on Veterans Day
- Clowning With PTSD
- Nikita's Mission
- Military Loss And Support
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