Veterans bravely served our country and defended our freedoms at great cost. It is only natural that we should want to thank them. However, you may wonder, “How can I thank a Veteran in a meaningful way?” Whether you know a veteran personally or have never met one, there are simple things you can do to show your appreciation.
 
1. Thank them for their service.

It may seem too simple, but saying “thank you” can mean a lot to a veteran. When you see a veteran wearing a hat which displays details from their tour of duty, go up to them and say, “Thank you for your service!” Veterans will always appreciate people who take notice and thank them.

2. Pay for a veteran’s meal.

If you are in line at a fast-food restaurant or you are sitting at a table while dining out, and you see a veteran, pay for their meal. You can handle it anonymously at a sit-down restaurant; but, at a fast-food restaurant simply walk up and say, “I would like to say thank you for your service by paying for your order.” Taking the tab to pay for a meal is a tangible way to show appreciation.

3. Invite a veteran to your house.

Many veterans would feel honored to be invited over to your home. The freedom and love you enjoy as a family are a visible reminder of why they sacrificed time to be with their family while serving abroad. Talking over a home-cooked meal will give the veteran(s) time to share stories of brave men and women with whom they served. This sweet time can benefit everyone present and especially encourage the veteran who will be reminded that there are people who care that much.

Another option would be to make a meal to deliver to a veteran’s family. It’s good to remember that the soldier was not the only person in that family who sacrificed for our freedom. Often the sacrifices of the spouse and children are overlooked. How sweet it would be to thank them all with a delicious home-cooked meal! (Just make sure to deliver your meal in containers that won’t need to be returned.)

4. Invite a veteran to your classroom.

If you are a teacher, invite a veteran to visit your classroom. Before the special day arrives, you can guide your students in researching the conflict or war in which the veteran served. Also, you can help your students make a list of thoughtful questions to ask their important visitor. Your class could make thank you cards to give to the veteran when they come to speak. Cards are a blessing! However, the true “thank you” for the veteran is the priceless opportunity to instill the values of freedom and sacrifice in the youth of America.

5. Give a gift to a veteran.

You can make or buy a gift to say thank you to a veteran. Or, you may want to consider nominating a veteran to receive a Quilt of Valor. You can contact Quilts of Valor to nominate a veteran to receive a patriotic quilt created especially for them. The founder, Catherine Roberts, had a dream while her son Nat was deployed in Iraq, which led to the founding of this incredible organization. Catherine believed that quilts made with love would bring healing to war-battered veterans. What a meaningful way to say, “Thank you!”

Above all, we should not ignore our veterans. When they were serving us in far-off lands, they were not visible to us. Let’s make sure they are invisible no longer! Taking time to thank a veteran is always time well spent. If you would like to see other blogs on our website to check out what Hathaway Family Funeral Homes has to offer, please check out our website or call us at 1-508-673-0781.