How to Show Appreciation and Thank Veterans for Their Service

Author: Products for Good
Published: 2010/11/04

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: Suggestions and tips to thank show appreciation and recognize veterans who have served the United States.

Introduction

Main Content

More than 20 million veterans currently live in the United States. Although their military experiences cross decades and continents, one thing remains constant: Their service deserves our honor, recognition and gratitude.

In an effort to encourage acts of recognition this Veterans Day, philanthropic business Products for Good has compiled 10 simple tips to honor those who have served.

Ten Ways to Say Thank You this Veterans Day from Products For Good

• Acknowledge active members of the military by sending a thank-you to troops overseas via a tweet! Tweets using the #wearegrateful hashtag are screened and printed onto postcards distributed to troops worldwide.
• Spend time volunteering at a local VA Medical Center. A small amount of time can make a big difference.
• Take a five-minute break from your daily routine to personally thank a co-worker, neighbor or loved one who is a veteran. A heartfelt thank you accompanied by a smile may just make their day.
• Not every veteran is lucky enough to have someone at home to honor and thank them for their service. Products for Good launched the Honor One in a Million Project to change that. When you buy a coin from the Honor One in a Million Project, the coin is hand-delivered to a veteran under VA care. Each coin comes with the opportunity for you to personalize a note to the recipient thanking them for their service. In turn, you will receive a letter confirming the receipt of your gift.
• Take advantage of the Veterans Day holiday to teach kids about our nation's history and sacrifices of those who have served.
• Plan a trip to Washington, D.C. to partake in national Veterans Day events or check out your local news and chamber of commerce community calendars to learn about parades and events in your area.
• Bring patriotic-themed baked good or cards to a local retirement home and help staff distribute to veteran residents.
• Change your Facebook status to honor a veteran in your life: Today I Honor and Thank (Rank, First Name, Last Name, Branch of Service).Don't know a veteran Check out the Veterans History Project to find an individual to honor.
• There are 1.8 million female veterans in the U.S. Honor the women in your life who serve and the women who face their own battles at home as their loved ones served with an Iraqi Coin Pendant Necklace from Products for Good. The unique gift will serve as a constant reminder that her commitment, sacrifice and service will forever be cherished.
• Veterans Day is a great opportunity to give a loved one who has served an unexpected call. Have your kids call and thank a grandparent or cousin who has served, and you'll feel the appreciation through the phone.

About Products for Good

Based in Charlotte, N.C., Products for Good is a philanthropic business that sells commemorative gifts honoring our men and women in uniform. The gifts feature liberated Iraqi coins that represent freedom and the sacrifices made to preserve it. Products for Good donates 20 percent of each purchase, before any other business expenses are paid, to charities that support those who have served our country and their families. And in keeping with its mission to make every gift help as many as possible, each shadowbox is assembled at Cleveland Vocational Industries (CVI), a facility that provides work opportunities for mentally and physically challenged individuals.