Beginning in 1918, at the end of the First World War, November 11th has been commemorated in the United States as the day when all who have ever served or who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces is celebrated. Each year Veterans’ Day affords Americans the opportunity to pay our respects to all who have served our country honorably during war and peacetime. This holiday, in particular, is a popular one in San Diego, and the city celebrates the thousands of service men and women stationed in and around San Diego.
Veterans Day is also known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, as the armistice with Germany was signed on November 11, signaling the end of World War I. Nowadays, besides the great importance of the national holiday, Americans across the nation enjoy the day off and do their best to spend this day in a way that honors military veterans.
What can you do in one single day to honor and show your appreciation for US veterans? Here are 6 easy activities that you and your family can plan for this Veteran’s Day:
6. CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION
There are a plethora of wonderful organizations who offer all manner of support, services and appreciation for our service members. To get a few ideas for donations, you can check out this page.
Today and every day, along with the people of San Diego, we honor our brave Veterans and active duty members who have stood up for freedom…your service, dedication and honor will never go unnoticed. Happy Veteran’s Day!
1. SHOW UP
Attend a Veterans Day event in your area. Not just a picnic with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans. Roy Rogers said, “We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that. There are hundreds of parades across the country and there may be one in a city near you. If you don’t know where to start, here’s a list of Veterans Day parades. There may be one near you!
2. FLY THE FLAG
One of the easiest things you can do? Fly the flag!It doesn’t have to be large, its mere presence shows that you care, it shows that you honor all those who put their life at risk so that you can be safe and free. Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the US flag! Make sure you’re observing the proper rules for display. Not sure exactly what those are? Read more here.
3. SPEND TIME WITH A VETERAN
This day is completely dedicated to veterans. So if your brother, friend, sister, cousin, or mom served in the army, it’s the perfect day to pay your respects. Invite them over for a barbecue or accept their invitation to spend the day together. There’s nothing better than quality time spent with family & friends.
4. ASK A VETERAN ABOUT THEIR SERVICE
It seems like we all know someone who has served, and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Some questions to get started are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service? Did anyone else in your family serve? Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did? Do not ask if they’ve killed anyone and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, just listen and give them your full attention.
5. DON‘T CONFUSE VETERANS DAY WITH MEMORIAL DAY
Many people confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day, but there’s a big difference. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.
~ Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us.
~ Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country.