Honoring Veterans Day

We thank and salute all of our soldiers and veterans today!

Today, November 11, is a special day to thank and honor some 2 million service members who serve and safeguard our rights, and some 18 million veterans who have fought to protect our freedoms.

Our veterans are brave men and women who have trained, sacrificed, and defended, and advanced our freedoms and the American way of life.

If you’re looking for an appropriate way to honor a veteran in your life, or would like to contribute in a way that’s meaningful for veterans everywhere, here’s a list of suggestions to start you off, followed by a list of Greater Houston veterans’ discounts.

1. Show Up, in person or virtually

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.

2. Donate

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, employment of veterans, or other key veterans organizations, please check out these sites:

Woundedwarriors.com
Operatordeltadog.com (service dogs for veterans)
Hireveterans.com
www.idealist.org (LoneStarVeteran Association)
TexVet.org (supportive services for veterans’ families)
karen4paws@aol.com (service dogs)
staivargv@gma.com (South Texas Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans Ass’n.)

3. Fly a flag – correctly

Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the flag! Just make sure you’re observing the proper rules for display. Not sure exactly what those are? Check out Military.com’s guide to the flag.

4. Thank a soldier or veteran for their service; gently ask 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 faced combat. 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. Write a veteran with your thanks and pride

If you know a veteran, write a simple postcard or e-card that recognizes them on Veterans Day. Drop it off at your local VFW branch. If you don’t know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there. Small acts of recognizing someone’s service, even anonymously, are appreciated.

6. Don’t Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day

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. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.

7. Visit a VA Hospital

Find out what the policies are at your nearest VA hospital for interacting with patients or volunteering, and spend the day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day or a special lunch you can help prepare. Even if you never interact with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back.

8. Get Outdoors with a Veteran

Invite a veteran or a military family to go on a picnic or explore a national park (in a socially distant manner)– admission is free for all visitors on Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional well-being, and is a great way to celebrate the day with a veteran.

Veteran Discounts

Veterans Day 2023 has passed. Please return in 2024 for our updated list.