1. Show Up Attend a Veterans Day event — not just a picnic with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans. The City of Fullerton will host its annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, November 12. The observance, hosted by Fullerton American Legion Post 142, Fullerton Emblem Club 469 and the City of Fullerton, will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a parade in Fullerton’s historic downtown. The parade will begin at the Downtown Plaza, located on Wilshire Avenue, east of Harbor Boulevard and adjacent to the Fullerton Museum Center, go North on Harbor Blvd., to the newly renovated Hillcrest Park. Once at Hillcrest Park, a ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. The ceremony will include placement of wreaths, patriotic solos by Kristen Romero, a gun salute by the Fullerton Police Department and the playing of “Taps”. 2. Donate There are many organizations who offer all manner of support, services, and appreciation for our service members. Click here to get a few ideas of charities focused on everything from veterans assistance to more targeted organizations focused solely on Special Forces soldiers. 3. Fly a flag – correctly Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the flag! Just make sure you’re observing the proper rules for display. Not sure exactly what those are? Click here for Military.com’s guide to the flag. 4. Ask someone about their service It seems like we all know someone who has served and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Some questions to get started are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service? Did anyone else in your family serve? Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did? Do not ask if they’ve killed anyone and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, just listen and give them your full attention. 5. Write a note If you know a veteran, write a simple postcard, letter, or e-card that recognizes them on Veterans Day. If you don’t know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there. Click here to learn about A Million Thanks letter-writing campaign. Small acts of recognizing someone’s service, even anonymously, are appreciated. 6. Visit a VA Hospital Find out what the policies are at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System for interacting with patients or volunteering, and spend the day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day or a special lunch you can help prepare. Even if you never interact with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back. Click here to learn more about VA Voluntary Service. 7. Say thank you It’s simple, but it can make an impact. And so many veterans have never heard the words “thank you.” If you know a veteran or see someone in a military uniform, say something. It may make his or her day and yours. 8. Learn about the past Visit one of Southern California’s many military museums, helping us to better understand the sacrifice and service veterans have endured protecting our freedoms. Museums a short drive away range from a small history museum preserving the last remaining Civil War military post in Southern California to one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers.[/vc_column_text][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id="ca-sidebar-15422"][vc_column_text]Source: Military.com | City of Fullerton[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]]]>
8 Ways to Show Veteran Appreciation