Every November, we pause on Veterans Day to honor our nation’s veterans and the families and friends who stand beside them. These brave men and women have dedicated their lives to serving our country, giving back every single day through their service. They deserve so much more than one day of recognition.
That’s why, more than 25 years ago, my Great Uncle Zachary launched Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House program provides “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes provide temporary free lodging so that families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. This was Uncle Zach’s way to support our military members, veterans, and their families every day, just as they serve us each and every day.
After Veterans Day, it’s easy to get swept up into the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but we must continue to support our military community and give them the honor they deserve. Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your daily routine so that you and your family can make every day Veterans Day.
1. Volunteer or get active. Gather your family and friends for a feel-good day of volunteering. Volunteer at your local Fisher House, or visit the VA website for local volunteer opportunities or events to help support veterans in your area. If you’re looking for something a little out of the box, consider volunteering at a military charity run or creating a team to participate in the event. This is a fun way to get active with your friends and family, all while supporting a great cause.
2. Write holiday cards to local veterans. Since Veterans Day is so close to the holiday season, take advantage of this timing to thank a military member for their service. Get your kids involved by spending an afternoon decorating and writing cards to help share some holiday joy with local veterans. Send these cards to the families of wounded, injured or ill service members and veterans who are spending the holidays at a Fisher House far from home, or mail them to your local VA hospital.
3. Make a donation without opening your wallet. Many organizations today accept a variety of gifts if a monetary donation is not possible. For example, Fisher House accepts donated unused airline or hotel points to help military families travel to the bedside of their hospitalized loved ones. Our Military Kids, an organization that provides grants to support children of deployed and severely injured service members and veterans, accepts donated stocks. You can also make donations simply by shopping online. As you make your holiday purchases, consider shopping on sites like Amazon Smile that donate a portion of the purchase price to the charity of your choice.