Saying “thank you for your service” might not resonate with every military member or veteran. Showing gratitude is always appreciated, though.
These men and women have spent months away from families, and sometimes those months represent years of missed birthdays, holidays, family vacations. In some cases, they’ve sacrificed their health and wellbeing during repeated deployments that have created back and joint pain, hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries, or other permanent issues.
Saying thank you is easily said and can be just as easily forgotten. There are other ways to show your gratitude: Donate to a nonprofit that supports military members. Volunteer your time at a homeless shelter and talk to the veterans who are there. Help during a food distribution drive that focuses on veterans and their families. Donate items to the annual Stand Down – an event that connects homeless veterans with resources and access to agencies that can help.
But do something, and not just during the holiday set aside for veterans and the military.
Showing your gratitude could help service members as they struggle with grief from the deaths of their brothers and sisters in arms. It could save a life. It could just make someone’s day brighter. So next time you see a veteran sporting a hat showcasing their unit or a service member in uniform – do more than say thank you. Pull up a chair, buy them a drink, and listen to their stories.