Theodore Schweitzer – Photo by: United States Navy
In the United States, on November 11th, our country honors the people who are actively serving or who have served our nation in the military. For 21 years my father, Ted Schweitzer served in the U.S. Navy. He retired in Virginia Beach, Virginia at Oceana Naval Air Station. I am proud that my brothers, sister-in-law, niece, nephews, and uncles served in the armed forces as well.
Our followers and readers frequently ask us about Veterans Day. This federal holiday was originally “Armistice Day.” The date commemorated the one-year anniversary of the World War I armistice between Germany and the Allies. The U.S. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 designating the date as an annual remembrance. In 1938, during President Roosevelt’s administration, it was declared a national holiday. Finally, in 1954, the day became Veterans Day to honor World War I heroes as well as ALL brave men and women who currently risk and have previously risked their lives to protect our U.S. freedom.
Without regard for the day of the week, we observe Veterans Day annually on November 11th, to emphasize patriotism and preserve historical significance. To prepare for this public holiday, we can demonstrate support and gratitude by showing appreciation. Consider these ten ways to celebrate Veterans Day.
- Support local veteran business owners: Seek and locate local restaurants and shops operated by our veterans. Support these establishments to dine or shop and support the talented veterans in your community.
- Assemble a soldier care pack: Assemble your colleagues, friends and family to create a special care package to mail to Any Soldier or Military Missions. Do your due diligence by checking the package restrictions. To check the care package wish-list for items to send to deployed troops or donate go to Operation Gratitude.
- Invite a veteran to dine: Extend an invitation to a veteran to join you for lunch or dinner and listen to their life story. Actively listen to their advice and wisdom.
- Inform a veteran: In addition, veterans might want to consider taking their own families to a meal at one of 56 restaurants offering complimentary meals to veterans on November 11.
- Commemorate within your office: If your workspace is open, gather your colleagues for coffee and use the opportunity to recognize any active duty or veteran military colleagues. Provide red poppy cake or yellow ribbon donuts as refreshments to honor their service.
- Flag or flowers at a national cemetery: Contact a national cemetery about placing flowers or a flag on a veteran’s grave to honor them. Consider this suitable floral arrangement list.
- Decorate with yellow ribbons and red poppies: Be creative by adding a red poppy or yellow ribbon to your jacket or shirt in memory of our veterans. Wear your poppy and ribbon with pride by learning more about these symbols and their history here.
- Be a seamstress or tailor: Do you tailor, sew, knit, or crochet? Warmth for Warriors and Knit Your Bit can use your skills to provide hats, scarves, and socks to Veterans.
- Express “thanks”: The simple act of saying “Thank you” is a year-round act of gratitude. See someone wearing a military uniform? Share your gratitude with a smile and a thank you.
- Fly our U.S. flag: From sunrise to sunset, display the U.S flag to support our veterans. Read more here about flying the stars and stripes properly with respect and patriotism.
- Phone or text a veteran: If you can’t see them in person, call and thank family, friends, and colleagues who have served in the military. They deserve our thanks for their sacrifices.
Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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