Ways to Thank a Veteran on Veterans Day

Not sure how to thank a veteran this Veterans Day? I get it. There are often times when you meet a veteran or servicemember and aren’t sure how to show your gratitude for all they do/did to serve this country.

A very popular option: a simple gesture, such as saying “thank you for your service.” Writing a personal note or volunteering your time to help veterans in your community also goes a long way. This guide can walk you through the steps you may need to take to follow through with charity work, donating your time, as well as ways that may offend or not be the best way to thank a veteran.

How to Tell a Veteran You Appreciate Their Service

If you know someone is a veteran and want to show your gratitude, it’s best to keep it simple. Shake their hand and tell them you appreciate their service to our country. Don’t overthink it. Just be genuine in your appreciation.

That said, it’s essential to set aside preconceptions. The military community is vast, with diverse experiences and feelings from their time in service. Some phrases, like “Happy Veterans Day,” may not resonate, as Veterans Day can evoke mixed emotions for many people.

Conversation Starters on Veterans Day

In some cases, you may want to continue the conversation beyond a simple ‘thank you.’ Here are a few questions to learn a little bit more about someone’s service:

• What did you do in the military?
• Did anyone else in your family serve?
• How long did you serve?
• What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service?
• Why did you choose the service branch that you did?

What Not to Do When Thanking a Veteran

While expressing gratitude is always appreciated, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your thanks are received with respect and sensitivity:

• Don’t press for details. Avoid asking intrusive questions about a veteran’s service, experiences in combat, or whether they’ve seen action.
• Don’t assume every veteran wants to talk about their service. Some may prefer a simple “thank you” without further discussion.
• Avoid politicizing their service. Veterans come from all backgrounds and beliefs; keep your gratitude focused on their contribution, not politics.
• Skip the “Happy Veterans Day” if you’re unsure. Some veterans find the phrase uncomfortable; a simple “Thank you for your service” or “I appreciate what you’ve done” can feel more thoughtful.
• Don’t compare their service to others’. Every service member’s experience is unique and deserves respect on its own.

Different Ways to Express Gratitude on Veterans Day

Beyond a simple “thank you,” there are many ways to show your appreciation for the military community. For example:

• Send a thank you card or email to a veteran you know personally
• Fly an American flag outside your home
• Participate in a Veterans Day parade
• Attend an official Veterans Day ceremony
• Call or write local media and community groups to show your support and encourage others in your area to do the same
• Volunteer at an event focused on helping Veterans
• Visit veterans in local hospitals or nursing homes
• Help a veteran in your community: The veteran population in the United States is getting older, and many younger veterans have experienced life-altering injuries. This means that there are likely veterans in your neighborhood or community who could use your help with tasks such as mowing their yard, picking up groceries, or assisting with small household tasks. This is a great way to offer support and express your gratitude.
• Donate to non-profit Veterans organizations like the DAV, Operation Homefront, or the Wounded Warrior Project
• Volunteer with the American Legion or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Visit a Veteran at your local hospital on a holiday or weekend
• Offering the Veteran a discount if you are a business owner/manager
• Send a care package to a military servicemember at home or overseas

Ways to Donate Time (Or Money) to Help Veterans

Another way to show your gratitude is by donating money or volunteering for causes that assist veterans. Here are some possible ways you could do that:

Action	Description	Organization / Program
Donate to a veteran’s organization	Support wounded veterans, service members in financial hardship, or those transitioning to civilian life.	Various veteran charities (e.g., Wounded Warrior Project, Gary Sinise Foundation, etc.)
Donate frequent-flyer miles	Provide travel assistance for family members visiting injured service members.	Hero Miles Program (Fisher House Foundation)
Help build a home	Contribute funds or volunteer to build homes for wounded veterans.	Purple Heart Homes
Drive a veteran to an appointment	Volunteer to transport veterans to VA medical appointments.	DAV Transportation Network
Deliver a meal	Provide meals to isolated or food-insecure veterans, especially seniors.	Meals on Wheels or similar local programs
Pay for a veteran’s meal	Quietly cover a veteran’s meal cost at a restaurant as a gesture of appreciation.	No program needed
Send a care package	Donate or assemble care packages for deployed or injured service members.	Operation Gratitude, Soldiers’ Angels, etc.
Care for a veteran’s pet	Foster pets for deployed or injured veterans and service members.	Dogs on Deployment
Lay a wreath at a veteran’s grave	Volunteer to place wreaths or donate funds to honor veterans at cemeteries.	Wreaths Across America
Donate in honor of a veteran or service member	Make a charitable gift in someone’s name and send them a card or letter.	USO Wishbook and other veteran-focused charities
Volunteer at a Fisher House	Assist families staying at Fisher Houses (housekeeping, childcare, gift drives, etc.).	Fisher House Foundation

Ways Businesses Can Show Appreciation for Veterans

In addition to the ways individuals can thank veterans, businesses can also show their gratitude in several ways. These include:

• Hiring veterans: Veterans bring many valuable skills to a workplace, so in addition to showing gratitude to our service members, businesses can also benefit from having veterans as employees.
• Hiring military caregivers and military spouses: Another way to support and thank veterans is by providing support to their family members and caregivers. Like veterans, military spouses provide great value to a company.
• Hire a veteran to speak at a corporate event: Veterans offer a wealth of insight into crisis management, leadership, and resilience.
• Donate your time and services pro bono: There are many ways that businesses can provide services to veterans. For example, assistance with legal matters is helpful for veterans as they navigate their transition from the military, VA claims, or other legal issues.

In addition to hiring veterans, businesses can also help veterans feel appreciated by utilizing veteran-owned businesses. Nearly ten percent of small businesses in the United States are owned by veterans, so other organizations could help by adding them to their supply chain, or being frequent customers.