What Can I Do? - Veterans Day

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the armed forces - in wartime or peacetime - in any capacity. The day is on November 11 to commemorate the end of World War I. The armistice that ended World War I was signed at 11am on November 11.

How can you honor those who have helped to uphold our values and freedoms?

1. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans website. From the website, you can find a wealth of resources, including programs, veteran organizations and even a kids page.
   
2. Volunteer with Veterans through the Department of Veterans. The Department will match you based on your location and preference - http://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/.
   
3. Call friends and family who are veterans. You probably know someone who is a veteran. Talk to your friends and family to find out who they may be and simply say, "Thanks!"
   
4. Email or send a letter to a veteran. Online sites, such as American Greetings, have thank you e-cards specifically for for veterans.
   
5. Visit a museum with veteran volunteers and/or geared towards veterans. In Atlanta, the National Museum of Patriotism is staffed by many veterans. In Chattanooga, the National Medal of Honor Museum has volunteers who are veterans and Medal of Honor winners.
   
6. Treat a veteran to a day out on the town. Many companies offer freebies and discounts to veterans on Veterans Day. Here is a list for the Atlanta area.
   
7. Observe a moment of silence. Traditionally, a moment of silence is observed in many communities at 11am on November 11.
   
8. Make a donation to the American Legion and/or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On Veterans Day, these groups sell red, paper poppies made by disabled veterans. The poppies symbolize the memory of those armed forces lost in the line of duty. Proceeds from the sales of the poppies go to programs specifically for veterans.

It only takes a moment, if a moment is all you have, to celebrate Veterans Day!

If you have any ideas, please share them with us!

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Board of Directors
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com