Thanking veterans this Veterans Day
October 31, 2019
— by Jackie Morton, director, Department of Military and Veteran Services
I often get asked, “How can I thank veterans on Veterans Day?” It's a great question, but there isn't always an easy answer. Many veterans do not seek recognition, or some are even uncomfortable with others knowing their veteran status. Often veterans do not feel their service is anything extraordinary, or they may not feel good about some of their military experiences.
For veterans, Veterans Day can be a day of mixed emotions. What veterans think about during Veterans Day is not their own veteran status or service but about their brothers- and sisters-in-arms with whom they served, their family members who served, or those who have served before them. Often veterans think about those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Although it is a day to appreciate those now serving or had served, many veterans often think about those who are no longer with them and their loved ones left behind.
So, to answer the question on how to thank veterans, you can never go wrong by thanking someone. You can ask them who they think about on Veterans Day. You could ask if they come from a military family or if any of their family members had served. Be prepared to listen. Although they may not share about their own service, they will boast freely about the veterans around them.
Thank you for caring about our veterans!