Four Ways to Show Actual Appreciation to Veterans

Veteran's Day is a wonderful way to thank veterans and it is great to see appreciation for the sacrifices made. But there are a lot of things that happen throughout the year that actually disrespect the sacrifice made.

If you want to show your thanks and appreciation here are some things to do.

Don't speak for Veterans. 

We see people who have never served talking about what disrespects veterans. No veteran is in a place to speak for all others and if someone hasn't served they are in no place to determine what is offensive.

We see this when people abuse photos of wounded or fallen soldiers to spread their political message. Or talk about how someone exercising their freedom of speech or expression is offensive to veterans.

If you haven't served, don't try to speak for veterans.

Stop Thinking All Veterans are the Same

As America is a diverse country so are the people that serve and have served in the Armed Forces. There are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Wiccans, and more. There are immigrants and there are people who can trace their ancestry back to the Pilgrims.

There are Democrats, Republicans, Independents and people who don't even care about politics.

As there is no one American, there is no one Veteran.

Don't Judge Someone's Service Based on Their Politics

Either you respect people who served or you don't. If you are critical of their service because you disagree with their politics you show disrespect for all veterans.

Military service is one component of a person and doesn't define everything about them. 

Don't Use Veterans Only When Convenient

Politicians on both sides love to use Veterans whenever it is convenient for them but like to forget about them when it comes to benefits.

Be honest about it.

So, there are some ways you can actually show appreciation to Veterans.