In October, Dave and I traveled to Dallas to attend Prospera’s annual CONNECT conference. In addition to hearing from industry leaders, learning from other advisors, and connecting with home office staff, we were able to participate in a group philanthropic project. Partnering with “A Soldier’s Hands,” Prospera advisors and staff came together one afternoon to fill care packages with hand care products and thank you notes for troops who will soon be deploying on the USS Nimitz. It was a privilege to support such a worthy cause.
On November 11, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served America in the armed forces. It’s so easy to take our freedoms for granted, but on Veterans Day, we remember those who have fought – and continue to fight – to preserve our ideals and make us proud to be American. They answer the call to serve with humility and unwavering bravery. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.
If you would like to celebrate this Veterans Day by honoring those who serve, here are a few ideas to help get you started:
Express thanks.
Whenever you see someone in uniform, extend a simple word of gratitude or small act of kindness to show how much their service means to you.
Send a card.
Start compiling a list of names and addresses of the veterans you know and send them a thank you card this year. Continue building out your list and make a tradition of sending these out every year. Small acts of recognizing someone’s service can go a long way.
Make a Donation or Volunteer.
There are many charities that help veterans in need. Consider making a donation this Veterans Day to help those wounded or affected by service.
Observe a Moment of Silence.
A more private way to show thanks is by observing a moment of silence. The Veterans Day moment of silence is typically observed for two minutes at 11:11 a.m. every Veterans Day.
Visit a Veterans’ Hospital.
If you don’t have a local VA office, contact an assisted living or nursing home facility nearby. Chatting with elderly or injured veterans is a great way to brighten their day, plus you’re likely to hear some fascinating stories about their time in the service. Take flowers or an activity they can do in bed.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, take a moment today to honor a veteran for his or her service. A little recognition goes a long way.