There are over 22 million veterans in the United States, and 55% of them are age 60 and older, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. These aging Americans have selflessly served our country and deserve recognition.
Denise F. Talbot, a certified care manager and owner of All Ages Care Management LLC, believes it is important to honor older veterans because they are our country’s heroes. “The words that come to mind when I think of a veteran are bravery, courage, sacrifice, patriot, selfless, relentless and dedicated,” says Talbot.
Whether it is a small or grand gesture, giving tribute to an older veteran goes a long way in making a veteran feel appreciated. Here are 12 opportunities to honor a veteran on Veterans Day (November 11) and any other day of the year.
1. Fly the flag
Displaying the American flag is a simple act that provides a powerful sentiment. This shows veterans who see your flag flying that you’re in support of them and the sacrifices they’ve made for our country. Raelene Opalacz, whose father was a staff sergeant in World War II, has flags waving for every branch of the military outside of her home. “We want to express our gratitude to those who are serving our country and show our patriotism to these heroes,” says Opalacz.
2. Attend a Veterans Day parade
If possible, take an aging veteran to a local Veterans Day parade. Being a part of the celebration by hearing the band play “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and saluting those marching in uniform will have your loved one bursting with pride. Even if the veteran does not take part in the parade, have them wear something such as a pin, hat, badge or jacket that shows they are a member of the armed forces, suggests Talbot. “That way,” she says, “spectators can offer their gratitude to the veteran who is attending the parade.”
3. Observe a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m. on Veterans Day
Although we recognize our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, it is also appropriate to take time on Veterans Day to remember the military men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Each year on November 11th at 11:11 a.m., there is a nationwide moment of silence to reflect on the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed everything for American citizens.
4. Flip through old photos or memorabilia
Looking back and sharing a conversation about their time in the military can be therapeutic for some senior veterans. “Show interest in what they want to tell you,” says Talbot, “but don’t probe because some veterans don’t want to speak about their experiences while others take pride in telling you their stories.” Talbot advises, “When talking with a veteran, you have to let them lead the conversation.”
Another more communal idea? Gather a group of veterans who are willing to share their stories, letters, pictures and experiences from their military days. Ask about their favorite assignment or what motivated them to join the military. Discussing the fonder memories allows seniors to recall a time of pride and camaraderie.
5. Do an art project with grandkids
Bring the grandchildren along for a visit to see their veteran grandparent. Create red, white and blue picture frames made out of popsicle sticks and star stickers, like this one from Denise at STL Motherhood. Then, print a special photo of your veteran to place inside. Here’s how to make your own patriotic picture frame.
Colleen Hursh, a rehabilitation counselor who works with veterans in Boston, Massachusetts, encourages our youth and older veterans to spend time together. She says it’s a great way for children to learn about important events in history. “If there is a way to connect that history to people in their lives and make it more meaningful,” says Hursh, “it will stick with them.” She adds, “Veterans can provide a unique perspective on life too, as they have seen a lot and been through a lot — the wisdom they carry with them cannot be underestimated.”
6. Send a greeting card
A simple thank-you card can go a long way.
Stuck on what to say? Here are a few starter ideas:
- “Thank you for your service.”
- “We are the land of the free because of the brave – like you!”
- “Thank you to you and your family for your sacrifice.”
- “Happy Veterans Day to our hero!”
7. Host a potluck
Invite guests to a potluck dinner in honor of the senior veterans you know. Ask guests to bring classic American dishes like hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and a patriotic dessert. Nothing says Americana quite like red, white and blue cupcakes.
As attendees dine, they can offer their gratitude to those who served our country. “Something as simple as shaking their hand and asking what branch of the military they served can strike up a meaningful conversation between you and a veteran,” says Talbot.
“Something as simple as shaking their hand and asking what branch of the military they served can strike up a meaningful conversation between you and a veteran.”
—Denise F. Talbot, a certified care manager and owner of All Ages Care Management LLC
8. Volunteer with Wreaths Across America
Every December since 2007, a national network of volunteers has come together to place wreaths on over 700,000 veterans’ graves. Wreaths Across America is an organization “committed to teaching younger generations about the value of their freedoms and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms,” according to their website.
9. Put together a care package
Whether curating a personalized care package for a veteran you know and love or mailing one out to someone in need, gifting a care package is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation to a veteran. “Candies, an American flag, socks with rubber grips, toiletries and a nice note expressing my gratitude are some of the items I would include,” suggests Talbot. If you’re looking for a place that accepts donations for care packages, Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization that coordinates with veterans affairs hospitals and veterans service organizations to have these items delivered to our deserving veterans.
10. Visit a VFW or VA hospital together
Bonding over military stories, travels and experiences – both good and bad – can be therapeutic to some senior veterans, which is why Hursh suggests visiting a VA hospital or other veteran-oriented organization or agency to connect with and honor veterans.
Hursh says that human connection is key to good physical and mental health, adding “Feeling appreciated and connected to others is so important, especially as veterans age.” She says, “Any efforts we can make to stay connected to veterans, show our appreciation for them and form meaningful relationships with them are wonderful ways to honor our veterans.”
11. Donate to a veteran organization
Consider making a charitable donation in honor of a veteran, suggests Talbot. “Find out which organization is most meaningful to them, whether it’s the Navy, Army, Marines, wounded veterans or something else, and offer a donation in the veteran’s name,” Talbot says.
Among these honorable organizations is K9s For Warriors, which is the country’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans.
12. Wear a red poppy
Adorning a red poppy gives recognition to the fallen heroes of World War II. The red flowers were among the first plants to bloom in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium after the war. Today, millions of red crepe paper poppies are handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation and distributed across the country by the American Legion, in exchange for donations that go directly to assisting disabled and hospitalized veterans.
“Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices on our behalf and have put their lives on the line to protect our liberties,” says Hursh. “Honoring them for all they have done is the least we can do. I would encourage everyone to honor our veterans through action and service, by finding tangible ways to champion efforts that provide them with the care, connection and support they deserve after their time in the military.”
