Honoring Veterans By Making A Difference
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The year was 1918. World War I ("The Great War", "the war to end all wars") had wrought its destruction for four long years. Over 10 million lives had been lost forever. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, peace was finally declared. A permanent truce, known as an "armistice", became official and people around the world rejoiced.
In hailing the end of war, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed:
"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us, and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."
In 1938, a United States Congressional Act made November 11th a federal holiday. The Act declared it "...a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace". The Act was amended in 1954 to rename the holiday to 'Veterans Day', so that all veterans could be honored.
The day has different names in different countries, but its purpose is the same everywhere it's observed. Whether called Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, it remains a time to honor those who have fought in our Armed Services and to renew our committment to peace. The specific programs listed below are for residents of the United States, but these ideas can be applied anywhere.
The days can be long and lonely when you're stuck in a hospital. The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for volunteers to visit hospitalized vets and let them know that someone cares. Veterans' medical facilities are also in need of drivers to help patients get to and from their appointments.
Find facility locations here. Then call and ask for Voluntary Service to find out how you can help.
Find out about other opportunities at the Department of Veterans Affairs 'Voluntary Service' homepage.
Many people want visit national cemetaries on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but have no way to get there. Offer your services:
American Legion posts
American Veterans (AMVETS) posts
Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts
Find your nearest national cemetary location here.
Recording the personal histories of veterans can be educational and rewarding. All you need is a way to record their words and a pair of open ears. Offer them the recording as a gift that they can give to their families.
You can give kids a learning experience by arranging for vets to give talks at local schools. Paralyzed Veterans of America is one organization that works with classrooms. They provide free teacher resources, including agendas and activities.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC needs volunteers year-round to help visitors to the Memorial.
Stand Downs are community-based outreach events designed to meet the needs of homeless veterans. They provide services such as job counseling, job training, medical treatment, legal help, benefits counseling, clothing and, of course, hot meals. Stand Downs can be held at any time of the year. Volunteers are always needed. For a list of scheduled Stand Downs across the US, see the links below. If your city isn't listed, please consider putting together a Stand Down for the veterans of your community.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs
USA Cares' Troop Support Programs provide a number of ways in which you can help veterans, including making "lap wraps" and providing other needed items to wounded vets.
If you're reading this article, you have Internet access. Not everyone does. There's a wealth of information on the Web that could be of benefit to vets. For instance, Military.com helps veterans learn about discounts, loans, scholarships and benefits. They also offer a Buddy Finder to help locate old friends from the service.
The US Veterans Affairs Department is rolling out wifi (wireless internet) service to its hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. If you have a laptop with wifi capability, consider visiting to help a vet get on the Net.
Some veterans' charities operate thrift stores. You can help by donating items, volunteering your time or simply shopping. By the way, veterans' thrift stores are rated by the experts as some of the best places to find clothing, costumes and unexpected treasures at low, low prices.
HelpVets.com
AmVets Thrift Centers
If your company has a project in mind that's too big for your staff to handle, consider outsourcing it to Veteran's Industry. A program of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran's Industry helps disabled vets regain self-sufficiency through vocational and rehabilitative training. It's also a cost effective way to get your work done. They even have hourly rates! In addition, you can prescreen vets as temporary employees before hiring them on as permanent staff members.
RecruitMilitary also provides a job service for employers and veterans. As the company points out, veterans are skilled, motivated, trainable and disciplined, making them excellent employment candidates.
Is it time to get rid of your old car or truck? Consider giving it to a veterans' charity. Learn how at 'What To Do With A Junk Car, Truck, RV, ATV Or Boat'. Or you can observe Veterans' Day by making a monetary donation.
There are over 1500 veterans' charities nationwide. CharityWatch has a list of their top-rated charities to ensure that your money is used efficiently. You can also find charity ratings at CharityNavigator. Just type "veteran" into their search box.
If a veteran close to you is having trouble confronting physical, psychological or readjustment issues, the 'Intervention To Help Your Veteran' guide will help you to help them. And if your vet's problems are affecting you, see 'Helpful Tips for Vet & Military Families in Crisis'. Both these resources are provided by the Veterans' Families United Foundation.
Lastly, in Canada, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is observed with two minutes of silence. The practice is also spreading here in the US. Make a promise to yourself to spend two minutes meditating on the meaning of Veterans Day.
