Veteran’s Day is almost here. This national holiday occurs on November 11 each year and celebrates our vets and all of the sacrifices they and their families have made to serve and protect this country. Towns and veteran’s care providers often hold parades and festivities to celebrate the service of our men and women in the armed forces.
This holiday, originally called Armistice Day, was created to celebrate the end of World War 1. It became a legal holiday in 1938 and changed its meaning to honor all veterans of all conflicts in 1954.
Observing Veteran’s Day Honors Your Loved One
If your loved one served in a war, it can be difficult to know how or if you should ask about it. Some vets would rather not talk about their service time; others may become emotional when they discuss their service.
And while some may have negative or turbulent emotions revolving around their service time, there can also be fond memories and feelings of pride and accomplishment.
Even if you’ve never done anything to observe the holiday in the past with your loved one, it’s not too late to start this year. You might be surprised by how much he’ll appreciate it.
Six Easy Ways to Celebrate Veteran’s Day with Your Loved One
Try one of these new ways to celebrate this important holiday. If you cannot be with your loved one on Veteran’s Day, plan for something near the date or ask his Veteran’s care provider to consider celebrating with him. A veteran’s care provider can offer transportation or spend some time chatting with your loved one about his service time.
Visit a local veteran landmark.
Even if the landmark doesn’t highlight the conflict your loved one served in, it is still a way to honor all veterans and their sacrifices. You can use this visit to ask your loved one how his service time was different from the one being highlighted at this landmark.
Review photos from that time in his life.
If he has a photo of him in his uniform, ask him questions about it. Was it comfortable? What do the patches and bars mean (even if you know the answers, ask again)? Who was he stationed with?
Visit a library.
Go to the library together and ask to be led to the library area that highlights the conflict your loved one served in. Look at both photo books and read stories together from others who served at the same time. These photos and stories may prompt your loved one to share his personal stories.
Attend a parade.
If your town or a nearby town has a Veteran’s Day parade (many VA hospitals will have a small parade). Your veteran’s care provider can bring your loved one if it doesn’t work with your schedule. It can be uplighting for your loved one to see so many people showing their appreciation for his services.
Watch movies about the conflict.
If your loved one so desires, spend some time watching a movie that focuses on his conflict and then talk afterward about what the movie got right and what it got wrong. How was his experience the same or different?
Celebrate quietly.
Some vets don’t want much hullabaloo regarding their service time. Spend this day putting out flags and maybe serving one of his favorite meals so he knows how much you appreciate him.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Veteran’s Care in Milford, OH, please contact the caring staff at Freedom Home Care today at (513) 461-2780
Freedom Home Care Serves Veterans in Clermont County, Batavia, Amelia, Milford, New Richmond, Goshen, Bethel, Williamsburg, Loveland, Withamsville, Brown County, Felicity, Georgetown, Mount Orab, Ripley, Hamersville, Sardinia, and surrounding areas.
Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring that each Veteran we serve can live a dignified and independent life in the comfort of their own home. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each Veteran, reflecting our deep commitment to their well-being.
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