Simple ways to honor Veterans in your hometown

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, November 11, 2015

On the 11th hour of the the 11th day of the 11th month, November 11th 1919, President Wilson proclaimed this date as the first Veterans Day, previously named Armistice Day. Along with speeches and parades, Veterans are being honored in many more ways.

November 11, 1918 marked the end of World War I also known as “the Great War”, and The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, officially ending the war. Veterans Day legally became a federal holiday in the United States on May 13, 1938. Today, Veterans Day is observed in the U.S. by hosting different events such as parades, speeches, ceremonies, and a official wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to participating in these events, citizens can honor Veterans in their own special way.

Although many organizations help and support Veterans, simple acts of gratitude can make a difference in their lives.

• Be patient and listen when speaking with Veterans.
• Thank Veterans for their service.
• Be honest, sincere, and respectful.
• Allow them to tell their story.
• Display a yellow ribbon on your clothes, car, or around a tree. 
• Educate yourself by reading a book or watching a documentary about the lives of soldiers.
• Send a “thank you” note.

If you’d like to donate, there are specific organizations in place to help veterans get acclimated to the civilian world, treat post-traumatic stress, and live life to the fullest after war.