Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11. This year, why not consider ways your family can honor veterans all year rather than on just one day? Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- According to the Obama White House archives, the easiest option to convey gratitude when you see a veteran or military personnel is to “shake their hand and simply say ‘thank you.’ This simple act of kindness will brighten up a veteran’s day and make him or her feel appreciated. “
- If you’re also an employer or manager, host a special luncheon for all of your veterans. Recognize their service to your company and your country.
- Reach out to a neighbor. Almost 40 percent of the veteran population is 65 or older and many have no family living nearby. If a veteran lives in your neighborhood, make a special effort to get to know them and offer fresh baked goodies or to do a household chore. Ask if they have holiday plans and include them in yours when possible.
- Visit a local nursing home or VA Hospital. Most nursing homes have a few veterans as residents. Ask the manager of the facility if it’s ok for your family to visit and listen to their stories.
- Volunteer. There are a variety of Monterey Bay organizations that support veterans that need your help. Check http://mbv.org/join-us/volunteers/ for information on a group that works to integrate the physically challenged community into normal daily activities and recreation.
- Make a financial donation. Organizations like The Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org) do amazing work and they rely on donations. Talk to your family about what they do and encourage your children to donate a bit of their allowance. Or, perhaps the kids can set up a lemonade stand and have a neighborhood fundraiser?
- Attend the 7th Annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in downtown Salinas. The Opening Ceremony begins at 1:20 PM and the parade kicks off at 2 PM. The parade route is on South Main Street between Central Avenue and Chestnut Street. Leon Panetta is this year’s parade Grand Marshal. The parade is sponsored by The American Legion, Women’s Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, and The American Legion Riders.
- Take a veteran to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Admission is free over Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 10-12) for veterans, active-duty military, reservists and retirees with a valid military ID. Discount tickets for family members can be purchased in advance at participating bases. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/special-events/veterans-day-weekend
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