Veterans Day is November 11th. We take a break from our normal postings and ask our readers to join us in honoring the men and women who have served our country who deserve our highest levels of 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. Please help us in honoring 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 our fallen soldiers and to honor their ultimate sacrifice. Veterans Day is the day that we honor all who have served. In America there are over 20 million veterans.
Veterans Day evokes all kinds of emotions. For those of us who have not served, the emotions include feelings of patriotism and gratitude for our country and for those who have served. 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 10 -30% of our veterans suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and some also suffer from both PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). 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.
These are the heroes of our nation. Many of them are humble about their service. Many will focus on what they view as the greater 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. They ALL deserve to be treated with respect and honor. Most definitely, they all deserve our gratitude and appreciation for doing what we could not do.
Below are just a few ideas on how to honor our veterans:
How to Honor Veterans:
- Attend a Veterans Day event
- Educate others about Veterans day – see the links below to share.
- Fly the United States of America Flag- click here learn how to fly properly.
- Visit with a Veteran – talk and listen to their stories.
- 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 out to a meal
- Volunteer your time 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 that 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://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://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/
- https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/warriors-families
- https://www.standbesidethem.org/ – free coaching for veterans – Teresa serves on their coaching bench.
PTSD Specific:
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
- https://www.wehonorveterans.org/veterans-their-needs/specific-populations/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
Service Dog Protocol:
- https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/01/23/behavior-around-service-dog-team.aspx
- https://www.canineprofessionals.com/service-dog-etiquette
Click here for a blog on When to Ask For Help If you have Thoughts of suicide – Get help immediately – call 911 or the US. National suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255
Disclaimer: We cannot personally endorse any of 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 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.
