7 Simple Ways Kids can Thank a Veteran on Veterans Day

Are you wanting to thank a veteran but don’t know where to start?

- By Lauren Tamm

It’s easy to see that after decades of war, many Americans want to thank and appreciate veterans for their service, but they aren’t exactly sure how to do that. I get it. It can feel overwhelming, especially for kids to think about that kind of stuff. But I have to share, thanking a veteran comes in all shapes and sizes. Often times, it’s the simplest gestures of kindness and gratitude, which help a veteran feel appreciated.

For many Americans, Veterans Day often is an extra day off school for the kids or a long weekend enjoyed in November, but the meaning of this holiday runs much deeper. Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day because that was the month, day and hour (November 11, 1918 at 11:00 am) that World War I ended. It was supposed to be the “war to end all wars.” Sadly, we know it wasn’t the last one.

On Veterans Day, we have a unique and special opportunity to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans and the selfless sacrifices they’ve made to keep our country safe. This November 11th, I’d like to challenge all families–parents and kids alike–to take a small part of your day to serve veterans in their community through a simple gesture.

So if you’d like to thank a veteran this Veterans Day, but feel unsure about where to begin, consider these simple kid-friendly acts of kindness:

1. SAY ‘THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.”