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.
