Veterans Day is November 11th. To honor our veterans, we are taking a break from our routine and honoring those who have served our country. We express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf. These men and women have offered up themselves so that we can have the freedom and the lifestyle that we enjoy in our country.
We invite you to honor them on their day and throughout the year.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two days that we set aside to honor those who have served our country and assisted in preserving our freedom. The difference between these two days is that Memorial Day is specifically set aside for those who have died, giving the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans Day is the day that we honor all who have served. In America, there are over 16 million veterans in the US.
Veterans Day can evoke many emotions. For those of us who have not served, the emotions include gratitude for those who have served and patriotism for our country. For the soldiers who have served, this day can also bring emotions of grief in addition to the other emotions of the day. They have come home while some of their comrades have not. Please be understanding and sensitive to what these soldiers may be enduring.
It is important that we not only recognize their service but also some of the emotions that have come home with them. It is reported that 12 -30% of our veterans suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and some also suffer from both PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Another study found that 74% of veterans also had substance use disorder. Of these, about half will not seek treatment for their symptoms. These brave men and women have given so very much of themselves to preserve our way of life.
Homelessness is a reality for many of our veterans; they make up 11% of all homeless adults in the US. Additionally, many of our veterans battle with thoughts of suicide. It’s estimated that we lose about 17 out of every 10,000 veterans to suicide each year. As a nation, we need to find ways to provide better services for the men and women who have given us so very much. As we approach this day, please consider volunteering or donating to help those who have sacrificed for our benefit.
These are the heroes of our nation. Many of them are humble about their service. Many will focus on what they view as the more significant sacrifices of their fellow soldiers instead of allowing you to focus on their sacrifices. Some will just say they did what had to be done. ALL deserve to be treated with respect and honor. Most definitely, they all deserve our gratitude and appreciation for doing what we could or would not do.
Below are just a few ideas on how to honor our veterans:
Ways to Honor Veterans:
- Attend a Veterans Day event (search Veteran’s Day events near me)
- Educate others about Veterans Day – see the links below to share.
- Fly the United States of America Flag- click here to learn how to fly properly.
- Visit with a Veteran – talk and listen to their stories. If you don’t know a vet and want to visit with one, contact your local VA facility and make arrangements to visit there.
- Ask if they’d be willing to share a story (be sensitive and respectful if they do not)
- Visit grave and memorial sites.
- Thank them for their service – write a letter, make a card, look them in the eye, and thank them.
- Bring them a treat or invite them out to a meal.
- Volunteer your time or resources with a veteran-related organization.
- Donate funds to a veteran-related organization.
- Visit a local VA or other hospital.
- Support our legislators and public servants who support our veterans and the services that are provided to them.
- Be respectful of the Service Dogs that support our soldiers.
Torn in Half honors our veterans and the families of those who have served. We are both proud to have family members who have served and are serving.
Peace & blessings with much gratitude to those who have served,
Jeni & Teresa
Veterans Day Resources:
- https://www.military.com/veterans-day/8-ways-to-express-appreciation-on-veterans-day.html
- https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html
- https://www.militaryspouse.com/military-life/10-meaningful-ways-to-celebrate-and-honor-veterans-day/
Veteran Resources:
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/help_for_veterans.asp
- https://www.military.com/veterans-day
- https://veteran.com/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/
- https://www.standbesidethem.org/ – free coaching for veterans – Teresa serves on their coaching bench.
- https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/vet-stats
PTSD Specific:
Service Dog Protocol:
- https://www.canineprofessionals.com/service-dog-etiquette
- https://www.guidedog.org/PuppyRaising/PuppyRaiserManual/Resources/Assistance_Dog_Etiquette.aspx
Click here for a blog on When to Ask For Help. If you have Thoughts of suicide – Get help immediately – call or text 988 in the US
Disclaimer: We cannot personally endorse these websites, books, or organizations. We are not mental health, legal, or financial professionals. Please use these sources for information only and consult professionals as necessary. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. torninhalf.com makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
PS: For additional support, you can download our free copy of 10 Ways to Move Forward After Loss
The First Days: Coping with Life After Loss is a resource for the first days after a loss – available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
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