Everyone knows what Veterans Day is, but how many are willing to admit they’re not sure how to best observe the national holiday? It’s a day intended to honor those who have served our country and made sacrifices to protect our freedoms, but not everyone is aware of the ways in which you can honor them. Read on to learn more about what you can do this Veterans Day to pay your respects to the men and women of the armed forces.
Commemorative Actions for Veterans Day
Simple gestures can be as impactful as grand gestures when it comes to honoring our veterans. If you’re struggling with how to pay your respects to the men and women of our armed forces on Veterans Day, there are a variety of ways you can commemorate the day:
Connect with a Veteran
One of the simplest ways to show respect for our veterans is to have a conversation with them. Reach out to current and former military members you may already know well or ones you are simply acquainted with and give them the time of day. There may be aspects of their service they may not want to talk about, but the important part is listening to whatever they have to say.
Fly the Flag
The American flag is an important symbol to our country and it bears significance to a great many veterans, who often believe it stands for the freedoms they took an oath to protect. Veterans Day is an opportunity to fly that flag, if you have the means to do so, as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made to keep our country safe and free.
Support a Nonprofit Organization
You don’t have to personally know a veteran to make a difference in their lives. There are a number of nonprofit organizations around the country and right here in Wisconsin that are dedicated to supporting veterans. You could make a donation to a national nonprofit like the Wounded Warrior Project or stay local with the Milwaukee-based Starfish Foundation, which raises funds for programs to help veterans heal the emotional wounds from war.
Participate in the National Moment of Silence
If you’re unfamiliar with the Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act, it was signed into law in 2016 and calls on all Americans to observe two minutes of silence on Nov. 11 in honor of our veterans. The nationwide moment of silence is to begin at 1:11 p.m. Central Standard Time.
In-Person Events and Opportunities on Veterans Day
Newcastle Place is fortunate to be located near the city of Milwaukee, where there is a great number of events and activities for people in the community to observe Veterans Day. Here is a handful of opportunities that you might be of interest to you:
Veterans Day Observance
The American Legion Post 457 in Mequon will host a Veterans Day observance at 6050 W. Mequon Road that is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.
Attend the Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade
Attend the Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, in downtown Milwaukee. The parade honors and celebrates the service of Wisconsin’s veterans and their families. A festival with live entertainment, exhibitors, vendors will follow the parade.
Visit the War Memorial Center
Pay a visit to the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center at 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. In addition to hosting a Veterans Day of Honor Parade in November at a date that is TBA, the memorial center will be launching a new exhibit titled I Am Not Invisible on Thursday, Nov. 4, honoring two dozen Milwaukee-area female veterans and military members.
Virtual Opportunities to Honor Veterans Day
Not everyone is comfortable attending in-person events and activities at this time, and that is perfectly okay. Fortunately, there are ways you can take part in Veterans Day without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home. Here are a few of them:
Use the Technology at Your Fingertips
You don’t have to be in-person to connect with a veteran. You can call them over the phone, conference with them over a video call or even go the route of sending them an email. Just the simple gesture of reaching out can mean a lot to a person. Let them know that you are thinking about them and talk to them about what Veterans Day means to them.
Remember the History
How much do you know about Veterans Day? When and why was the national holiday first established? If you want to honor Veterans Day, dig deeper into the history. The Navy and Air Force even offer virtual tours of their National Museums. Veterans Day is a great opportunity to educate yourself on the history of our armed forces and the sacrifices that have been made by men and women throughout history to protect the freedoms of America.
The Community at Newcastle Place
Newcastle Place is proud to celebrate Veterans Day and honor our veterans both in the community and across the country. Recognizing their services goes hand-in-hand with our belief in caring for the needs of the residents who call our community home. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about the community at Newcastle Place, please don’t hesitate to contact us and our friendly team will gladly answer any questions you have.
