Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
Q: How can I honor U.S. veterans?
A: Veterans Day holds a prominent place on the American calendar, dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of those who have served in our armed forces. However, it’s essential to remember that the challenges, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans persist long after the holiday. This enduring truth highlights why every day should be a day of gratitude and recognition for our veterans. There’s even a movement afoot to recognize that Every Day is Veterans Day.
A Lifetime of Service
For many veterans, service to the nation doesn’t stop when their military duty ends. They carry the discipline, skills, and commitment developed during their time in uniform into civilian life, often becoming leaders in their communities, workplaces, and beyond. In retirement, some of the hardest working volunteers are from veteran families.
Everyday Acts of Gratitude
Honoring aging veterans doesn’t require grand gestures; small acts of kindness can go a long way. Simple efforts like offering assistance with daily tasks, supporting veteran organizations that provide senior-specific services, or simply listening to their stories can have a profound impact.
Communities are essential in ensuring aging veterans feel valued and supported. They can help bridge generational gaps with events that help instill understanding and gratitude –especially among younger people. By recognizing their sacrifices and addressing their evolving needs, we can ensure aging veterans are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Honoring the Families
Standing behind those who served are spouses and children who made countless sacrifices, often enduring long separations, frequent relocations, and the emotional toll of their loved one’s service. Acknowledging and supporting these families is an essential part of truly honoring veterans.
Building a Culture of Awareness
Less than 1% of the World War II veterans are still living. Do you know a veteran who may have rich and unique experiences to share? Listening and showing genuine interest in their memories validates their contributions. With their permission, record or write down their accounts of military service and share them with younger generations to preserve their legacy.
Moving Beyond One Day
By learning about the unique challenges aging veterans face, including healthcare, housing, and mobility issues, we can foster deeper understanding and advocate for better support systems.
Every day is an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices made by our military service members. To that end, One Senior Place will present Every Day is Veterans Day on Friday, February 28th, in Rockledge. Brevard veterans and their families will be honored during a special pinning ceremony, and enjoy refreshments, music and a stirring keynote address. RSVP at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
