Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada are celebrated annually on November 11th. This is a day set aside to honor those who served their country. It is estimated there are 18 million veterans in the U.S. and nearly 700,000 in Canada. Their service spans generations, conflicts, and times of peace. At Sunrise, we are proud to have many residents and team members who have served their country like our centenarian resident Dick who served in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge.
If you are wondering what you and your family can do to honor those who served this Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, we have some suggestions for you to consider.
7 Ways to Honor Our Veterans
- Thank a veteran in person: Never underestimate the power of a simple thank-you. Whether it’s a family member, a neighbor, or someone you work with, taking time to genuinely thank them for their service and sacrifice can be meaningful.
- Ask a loved one to share their stories: For many veterans, there is a hesitancy to speak about their time in the military, especially if they took part in combat. They might feel as if people aren’t interested in knowing what truly happens during a period of war or conflict. If you haven’t done so before, ask your loved one if they are willing to talk about their time in the military. You might want to ask their permission to record their stories so you will have them to share with future generations of the family.
- Fly your flag at your home or business: Another simple gesture is to hang the U.S. or Canadian flag in front of your home to celebrate veterans and honor our nation’s veterans. If you do, be sure to make yourself aware of and follow proper etiquette for flying the American and Canadian flags, respectively. Learn more about displaying, storing, and caring for the American flag here and the do’s and don’t when displaying the Canadian flag here.
- Visit a military landmark: If you are in the U.S., one of the most meaningful trips you can take is to Arlington National Cemetery. From the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the rows and rows of headstones, it’s a sobering reminder of those who served. If you can’t make it to Arlington National Cemetery there are a total of 155 national cemeteries across the U.S. that are open year-round to visitors. If you’re looking for a different type of military landmark to visit, U.S. residents can choose one from this guide of military museums and historic locations and Canadian residents can choose from this list of historic war sites.
- Vote in elections: While voting isn’t a celebration of the military, it is a way to honor those who fought for our democracies. Get involved in local, statewide, provincial, and national elections. Then, on Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, be sure to thank the veterans you know for serving to preserve this important right. Here is how you register in the U.S. and here is how you do so in Canada.
- Volunteer at a veterans’ event: A Sunrise community near you might have special activities planned for veterans who reside there or in the local area. If you can volunteer, offer your time to help with the event. You could also ask if there are any veterans who might appreciate a one-on-one visit. Those who don’t have children or grandchildren or who don’t have anyone living nearby might appreciate visiting with your family.
- Ask them how they want to be celebrated: Whether they are your grandparent, aunt or uncle, or neighbor, this Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ask the veteran in your life how they want to be celebrated and recognized. At Sunrise, we take a personalized approach to everything we do and that includes how we celebrate our residents. We invite you to take the same approach to celebrating our senior veterans this year.
Sunrise Salutes Our Veterans
This November, like every other year, Sunrise will pause to thank our residents who served. You’ll find celebrations occurring at every Sunrise campus from coast to coast. Visit Sunrise Community Honors Veterans to learn some of our residents’ stories about their time of service.