Read on and discover some key ways to show appreciation on Veterans Day in 2022, and what to say to a veteran on veteran’s day to show your gratitude for their service!
Every year on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we honor those who have and continue to serve their country in the armed forces. In America, we call this Veteran’s Day; in other parts of the world, such as the U.K, they refer to it as Remembrance Day.
A few things remain the same, however: the date, the symbolic poppies worn in buttonholes of coats and hanging off purses or from the rearview mirrors of cars, and the desire to show extra appreciation for those who put their lives on the line for us.
While our veterans deserve to be honored and recognized every day of the year, we want to share with you a few special things you can do to show your support and appreciation on November 11.
1. Plant a commemorative poppy or tulip and discover the first way to show appreciation on Veterans Day in 2022
As a way to honor veterans in an everlasting manner, there’s no better option than planting a commemorative poppy or tulip to show appreciation on Veterans Day. Why a poppy or a tulip you may ask?
After World War I, poppies began to pop up in droves across many destinations in Europe, which many assumed was due to the now lime-enriched soil as an aftermath of the war. The flower soon was recognized as a symbol of all the blood that had been shed in battle. Later, on September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion to memorialize the soldiers who served and died in World War I.
Meanwhile, in Canada, the tulip started as a symbolic gesture on behalf of Princess Juliana of Holland to Canada in honor of the 7,600 Canadians who died fighting to free the Netherlands in World War II. She sent Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs after the war, and every year since, Holland continues to send Canada 20,000 bulbs.
2. How to honor veterans on Memorial Day 2022: write a letter to show your appreciation this year
If you know someone who is stationed far from home, including overseas, now’s the time to set aside a moment to surprise them.
How to honor veterans on Memorial Day 2022? Write them a letter to honor past and present veterans on Memorial Day 2022.
Getting mail is a surefire way to brighten someone’s day.
Even if you don’t personally know any veterans, there are a number of nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that allow you to write letters to a randomly assigned soldier, such as:
3. Veterans Day: honoring all who served by donating your time and/or resources in 2022
Looking for more ways to commemorate Veterans Day? Honoring all who served by donating at least some of your time and resources in 2022 won’t go unappreciated.
There are a variety of ways you can show your support by donating your time or financial resources, which include:
- Volunteering at a local Veterans Hospital or Veterans Center. Find the facilities closest to you on the Veterans Affairs website!
- Putting together homemade care packages for the troops. The aforementioned organizations, Operation Gratitude and Soldiers’ Angels, in addition to Support Our Troops and Operation Shoebox, all specialize in soldier care packages.
- Donating to organizations that support soldiers and veterans, as well as their families, such as TAPS or Folds of Honor.
- Help veterans learn about the programs and support that are available to them.
- Military Veterans are at much greater risk of developing addictions. If you, a family member, or someone you know is suffering from addiction, help them learn about specialized programs and organizations like Addiction Guide.
4. How to celebrate Veterans Day: visit the best national parks in the U.S. in 2022 to show your appreciation
Spending time—particularly amid the soothing peace and quiet of nature—is yet another great way to show your beloved veteran that you care, and there’s no better place to go than one of the best U.S. national parks around.
What’s more? On Veteran’s Day weekend, the National Park Service offers free admission to everyone. You can find your nearest national park today!
How to celebrate Veterans Day? Go glamping in the Smoky Mountains and try more destinations for national park camping in the U.S. in 2022.
5. Veterans Day 2022: simply say thank you and make the easiest gesture to show you care on Memorial Day
Perhaps the simplest of all the veteran appreciation ideas, though not to rid it of its merit, is to say thank you if you happen to see someone in uniform, or identifying as a veteran in some other way, in public.
A quick word of thanks or a small act of kindness, like discreetly paying for their cup of coffee or even just opening a door for them, will help demonstrate how much their service means to you on Veterans Day 2022 and any day throughout the year!
For more great information for veterans and their families and friends, see the following resources: the National Veterans Foundation (U.S.); the European Organization of Military Associations (Europe); the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans’ Association (Australia); the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada (Canada); and the World Veterans Foundation (global).
