This Saturday is Veterans Day, although it should be every day that we take the opportunity to thank a veteran and remember those who didn't come home.

            Veterans of the United States Military Services have given a portion of their lives, and in some cases made the supreme sacrifice, to keep our country and its values secure. They deserve to be remembered more than once a year.

            But on November 11, we are reminded of something we may not have done over the course of the past year.

            Many veterans appreciate being recognized and thanked for their service, as it shows that their sacrifices and contributions to our country are appreciated. But, we must remember that every person's experience and feelings about their service may be different. Some veterans may prefer not to talk about their experiences, while others may be open to discussing them.

            A 2019 poll commissioned by the Cohen Veterans Network showed that 49% of veterans don't actually like to be thanked.  Most cited that they feel uneasy with the expression, "Thank you for your service." According to the poll, 91% of civilians have thanked a veteran for their service, but nearly half of the veterans and active-duty service members who participated in the poll feel uncomfortable being thanked. 

            So, don't just tell a veteran that you appreciate their service, do an act of service for them. Make them feel special for all the sacrifices they made.

            There are many ways you can thank a veteran like donating to veteran-related charities, showing up at their events, asking them about their service, showing your patriotism by flying the United States Flag and flying it correctly, inviting a veteran to speak at your event, using veteran-owned businesses, helping homeless veterans, showing appreciation for their families, and many more.

            While there is a month for this and a month for that and I doubt if we'll ever get legislators, or the general public, to work towards a Veterans Month, we can take it upon ourselves to honor those who served by making every year a Veterans Year.

            Thank a Veteran.