Honoring Our Veterans: Ways to show Gratitude through “Thanks-Giving”

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:16:08 -0500

As members of the Military and Veteran communities, we know the immense sacrifices our Service Members and Veterans make for our country. It’s important that we find meaningful ways to regularly express our gratitude and appreciation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites you to explore some meaningful ways you can give back and say “thank you” to Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors from November 24 – 30 during what we call ‘Veteran Thanks-Giving’. While you’re passing out food at the table this holiday season, pass out some thanks as well for your family and friends of service.

Ways to Show Gratitude

» Send a salute on RallyPoint: Go to the profile page of other RallyPoint members and click the "Salute" button to show your gratitude.

» Operation Gratitude (https://rly.pt/OperationGratitude) facilitates a variety of programs that allow individuals and groups to create personal connections and show their appreciation.

» Volunteer! The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Habitat for Humanity, Home Depot Foundation, and the VA - just to name a few – all need volunteers to help with their Veterans' outreach programs. Say thank you by giving your time.

» Vet Tix (https://rly.pt/VetTix) provides free tickets to events for Veterans, active-duty military, and their families. Attending an event together is a fun way to create shared experiences and show your gratitude.

» Call or Text: Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean the most. Reach out to a Veteran you know and let them know you're thinking of them with a quick phone call or text to say "thank you for your service."

» Write a Letter/Email: Take the time to write a thoughtful letter expressing your gratitude. Reflect on how the Veterans service has impacted you or your community and share specific memories or stories.

No matter which approach you choose, the most important thing is to find authentic ways to express your gratitude.

Not sure how to find your buddies to show gratitude?

Explore new ways of finding your battle buddies and friends using the Together We Served Buddy Finder (https://rly.pt/TWSBuddyFinder) and RallyPoint (https://rly.pt/Contacts).

Last month, the VA hosted Buddy Check Week (https://rly.pt/BuddyCheck) to check on each other and reduce isolation. Let’s carry that forward and keep connecting!

Homepage - Operation Gratitude

Our Mission is to Honor the service of our Military and First Responders by creating opportunities to express gratitude We Believe In Honoring the Service of our military and first […]

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Nov 11 at 2024 6:44 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:44:37 -0500

Some good ideas here; and the VA hospitals can always use new socks, underwear and tee shirts.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Nov 12 at 2024 9:50 AM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 09:50:45 -0500

On Veterans Day we have a caravan of veterans driving by our schools. 2 years ago there was 60 cars, last year there was 70 cars and this year's estimate is of 100 vehicles. Part of that is to get mail call, a manila envelope with student made cards inside. I got one this year unlike any other. The main portion was much like the others but at the bottom this one said, "Look at the back for 2 jokes". That cracked me up all by itself. On the back he had 2 joke questions with the answer covered by a post it note. It was produced by Laney.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Nov 13 at 2024 2:25 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:25:03 -0500

I honor them in maintaining my solemn oath to protect the Constitution and Rule of Law from a domestic enemy, Donald.
Rich