6 Ways Your Business Can Recognize Veterans Day

When Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day officially falls on Nov. 11 each year, and it’s observed regardless of the day it falls during the week. This commemoration, originally called “Armistice Day,” was first held on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of World War I. In 1954, the name was changed to what we know today: Veterans Day.

Most of us don’t get the day off, so it offers the perfect opportunity for your office or workplace to do something together to honor veterans. Here are some ideas for showing veterans your appreciation.

How to Celebrate Veterans Day

There are around 17 million veterans in the United States. Here are suggestions for celebrating them on the day set aside for that purpose.

1. Recognize Veterans in Your Office

You probably have veterans walking among your own ranks every day — and you might not even know it.

If appropriate in your workplace, find out who has served and see if they’d be interested in sharing a story from their time in the military. For most, it’s a great source of pride, and it’s especially wonderful for younger generations to hear about others’ service.

If they don’t want to present, there are other less public ways to acknowledge them, such as adorning their door or office space with patriotic appreciation signs.

2. Hold a Moment of Silence

Another way to honor veterans — whether you have any in your workplace or not — is by taking a moment of silence together on Veterans Day at 2:11 p.m. eastern standard time for two minutes.

3. Assemble Care Packages

While this can be an ongoing activity, it especially fits on Veterans Day.

Check with your local VFW Hall or contact an organization like Support Our Troops or AnySoldier.com. Each site offers detailed instructions on making sure your package will reach its destination with appropriate items.

If you don’t have time to organize a collection/packaging event for Veterans Day, it’s the perfect time to announce your campaign and then aim to send the boxes to arrive in time for the holidays when many service people may feel especially lonely.

You can find packaging materials like envelopes, boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and more to ship your items safely. You can even use a Pack & Ship service to make sending your items and giving back to veterans even easier.

How to Salute Veterans All Year Long

1. Hire a Veteran

Help our veterans transition to civilian life through meaningful employment. When you look specifically to hire veterans, you’ll access a pool of well-trained talent, as many military jobs have a civilian equivalent.

Military service instills a strong work ethic, loyalty, decisiveness, and a spirit of collaboration, among other positive qualities. To find out more about hiring veterans, consult the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.

2. Support a Deployed Service Person’s Family

As you look ahead to holiday charity endeavors, consider including a service person’s family in your plans, as many live on tight budgets and might need a holiday pick-me-up with their loved one not around.

The Soldiers’ Angels organization has a program specifically for businesses that adopt at least three families. Choosing and delivering gifts can be a fun way for your entire office to come together.

3. Offer Perks Throughout the Year

Many companies provide Veterans Day discounts or hold a Veterans Day sale. Others extend discounts to veterans all year. Consider including active service members and their families to show your appreciation. Veterans Day is an opportunity to announce or bring awareness to your veterans programs.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.