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Veterans Day is an important holiday for many seniors, as several major wars were fought throughout their lifetime. According to Statistica, 42% of males over the age of 75 are veterans. If your loved one didn’t serve in the armed forces themselves, the chances are high that they know someone who did.
Where Memorial Day is about honoring the lives lost, Veterans Day is reserved for respecting the veteran in your life. Showing seniors appreciation on Veterans Day can be as grand or small a gesture as you’d like. What matters most is that you do what you can to show your loved veteran the kindness they deserve on this holiday.
Thank them
If you only do one thing for your loved one on Veterans Day, it should be thanking them. While you should show your loved one appreciation every day of the year, there isn’t a better time to thank them for their service than on November 11.
Give them a call to express your gratitude or write a heartfelt letter. Express to them how important their sacrifice is to you and the country as a whole. Encourage them to speak of their experiences if they’d like– just know some veterans may not want to discuss this topic.
Take them to a war memorial
More likely than not, there is a war memorial in your area. If not, there is likely a monument or cemetery honoring those who served. Take your loved one to whichever you have nearby. This will give your loved one a chance to reflect on their experiences and the events that took place during their time in service.
If your loved one is unable to travel, you can find plenty of war memorials online. The Veterans Affairs website has a page honoring all wars with a list of related memorials. You can also find several virtual tours of popular war memorials like the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Attend a Veterans Day parade
If you have the opportunity, take your loved one to a local Veterans Day parade. This is a fun and festive way to show your support for all members of the armed services. Many communities come together to put on parades to honor those who served. If your loved one is interested, there may be an opportunity for them to partake in it.
If there isn’t a parade in your area, you can always watch one on TV. The National Veterans Day Parade is held annually in Washington D.C. and broadcasted on several channels.
Treat them to a meal
One easy way to show your support for veterans is by taking them out for lunch, dinner, or even coffee. Many restaurants offer free or discounted meals to veterans on Veterans Day. Not only is this the perfect way to show how much you appreciate their service, but it is also a great opportunity to spend time together.
If you’re aware of other veterans in the area, you could arrange for everyone to meet over a meal and discuss their time as service members. In addition to a quality meal, they’ll enjoy the quality company.
Make a donation
If you’re looking for a way to show your support that will honor a larger group of people, consider donating to a veterans’ charity in your loved one’s name. This is a great way to honor veterans who may not have a good support system.
Discuss with your loved one which organization means the most to them. If you’re not sure where to start, there are a number of charities focused on helping veterans, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars charity, the Wounded Warrior Project, and even your local VA hospital.
Enlist the help of an at-home caregiver for your loved one
No matter how much you love your elderly loved one, there may be times when you can’t be there like you want. When this is the case, enlisting the help of an at-home caregiver can be just what your family member needs to remain in the comfort of their home.
At-home caregivers can provide your loved one with a number of services, from medicine reminders to personal care. They can also offer some much-needed companionship. This can be especially beneficial for veterans, as they may feel isolated or lonely.
The caregivers with Home Care Powered by AUAF provide experienced, compassionate service to each and every one of their clients. We would be happy to provide your loved one that same support. For more information on our services, call (623) 526-6367.
