
photo credit cnbc
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
I don’t know that there is anything quite like the feeling of visiting a military base and watching the troops training or marching for a ceremony. The awe of a Harrier jet taking off and landing or having to say goodbye to a loved one leaving for boot camp. I come from a family who served in various branches of the military. My grandmother first in the Army, my brothers both Marines, my cousin in the Navy. So on this Veterans Day my heart is filled with gratitude and I wanted to share some easy ways to celebrate Veterans Day,
1. Know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Veterans Days is November 11 and designated as a day to honor all who have served in the military. Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May, and pays tribute to those who died serving in the military. However, any day is a good day to say Thank You – amirite?
2. Ask your favorite She-Roes and Heroes about their service and favorite initiatives. Meet a few of mine here!
Lara DiPaola - @dipaolamomma on Twitter US Navy ABF3 Gulf War Vet
Lara also has a son in active duty – we are grateful for his service! She is a busy mom, travel blogger and social good advocate. Lara is a fierce champion for many Veteran initiatives and shares some of her favorites with us. She is a strong supporter of Operation Delta Dog an organization that rescues homeless dogs and trains them to assist Veterans suffering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. WINC (Women Injured in Combat) – this organization helps women Veterans by providing meet-ups, retreats, scholarships, peer support groups, resources and more. The Bob Woodruff Foundation which finds partnerships to fund and shape programs to meet the emerging and long-term needs of Veterans and their families. The Bob Woodruff Foundation also gives 80 cents of each dollar to Veterans (that’s roughly 8 times the average according to Lara).
Isaiah Winters @IsaiahRW on Instagram > US Air Force
Isaiah is a talented photographer and online Creative. Isaiah is passionate about helping fellow Veterans suffering from mental health issues and supports organizations like The Soldier Project which provides free and confidential treatment to military service members and their families. You can find more resources like Soldier Project at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Tim Snow - @SnowinRI on Twitter > USAF "83-"91 Tactical Air Command / Pacific Air Forces
Tim is a respected social media expert, digital correspondent and brand journalist. Tim works hard in the fight against Homeless Veterans and supports online groups who help Veterans suffering from PTSD like #PTSDChat http://ptsdchat.org/
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Judy Davis an expert on Military Life who leads a huge community of active Duty Military Spouses. We celebrate you every day!
3. Show your gratitude by saluting and supporting our Veterans at local parades and events! Find one in your area here> http://www.military.com/veterans-day/events.html
4. Learn the Pledge of Allegiance, The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful or the Armed Forces Medley so you can join in at the next event. They’ll be pretty impressed!
America the Beautiful
http://www.metrolyrics.com/america-the-beautiful-lyrics-whitney-houston.html
The Star Spangled Banner
http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-star-spangled-banner-lyrics-whitney-houston.html
The Armed Forces Medley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoNj8qsptjA
The Pledge of Allegiance
http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm
5. Research easy ways you can help Veterans all year long.
Donate Frequent Flier Miles
http://fisherhouse.org/ / http://fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles/how-to-donate-miles/
Send a care package or write a letter of gratitude
http://www.operationgratitude.com/
Share Their Stories
As with all charities and donations always check to make sure you know how monies are being spent. Two great resources /rating sites are Charity Navigator and Charity Watch
6. Support brands that support our troops and Veterans. Like my favorite > Verizon!
More than 10,000 employed who self-identify as Veterans. Verizon also made the 2017 Military Friendly Company List!
http://www.verizon.com/about/news/higher-calling
Discounts and savings for Veterans and Active Military to keep them connected to friends and family no matter where they are!
https://www.verizonwireless.com/discounts/military/
7. Say Thank You!
THANK YOU to ALL Veterans and active Military personnel for your service and sacrifice. We appreciate and honor you!