Nine Meaningful Ways to Honor Veterans
Published: November 5, 2024
By: Pam Molnar
Veterans Day is observed on November 11th and this year, it falls on a Monday. Make it a meaningful three-day weekend by honoring our Veterans in a way that shows how much you appreciate their service.
- Host a care package drive to send to Operation Gratitude. This is a great project for scouts, churches, businesses and schools. Their website (OperationGratitude.com) offers easy step by step instructions as well as a wish list for the troops. If your group is crafty, you can make decorated pillowcases or paracord lanyards sent in the care packages. Handwritten letters and pictures are also appreciated.
- Attend a Veterans Day service at a church, American Legion post or community parade. Your presence is valued by those who served. To find something near you, simply Google “Veteran’s Day event near me”. If you don’t find any, consider creating your own by inviting local veterans to speak at your place of business or school.
- Support a Veteran owned business. Look for storefronts and online stores that proudly display a Veteran Owned decal. A simple search at veteranownedbusiness.com will give you a list of all stores and restaurants in your state and county. If you are a small business owner yourself, consider a discount for customers who are veterans.
- Participate in a fundraising event that supports Veterans. While every community is different, you will find events like 5K runs, golf outings and clinics, bake sales or concerts. Reach out to your local American Legion, VFW or your state veterans services department for events near you.
- Participate in a military cemetery cleanup or flag decoration. These events usually take place on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and near the winter holidays. Contact your local military cemeteries, American Legion or scout troops for dates and times in your area.
- Buy a coffee or lunch for a Veteran when you see them. Many Veterans are easy to spot by the proud display of their status on hats, shirts and car decals. When you see one in line at coffee shops or restaurants, be sure to thank them for their service by offering to buy their meal.
- Donate to a Veterans Home or Hospital. Find a local Veterans hospital by searching the Veterans Affairs website (va.gov). While a monetary donation is easy and can go a long way, each office has a list of items they accept donations for including clothing, magazines, coffee and cookies.
- Lend a hand to a local Veteran who lives alone. Offer meals, yard work or a ride to the store or his doctor’s appointment. It’s also important to make him feel like he is a valued part of the community. Invite him to dinner and get to know him. You may be surprised to hear his stories and find his talents to be a great contribution.
- Use your talent to brighten the day for a Veterans Home. Just like assisted living homes, veteran homes are always looking for volunteers to entertain their residents. If you are a singer, musician, art or dance therapist, yoga instructor or pet therapy volunteer, contact your local VA Home and ask how you can help.
Local Birmingham Events:
1. Veterans Day Celebration – Vestavia Hills
When: Thursday, November 7, 2024, 1–3 p.m.
Location: Vestavia Hills Civic Center (1090 Montgomery Highway)
About: Mayor Ashley Curry and the City of Vestavia Hills will host a Veterans Day celebration honoring veterans from all service branches. Enjoy entertainment and programming with a patriotic theme including booths featuring information and services for veterans, antique military vehicles, and more.
https://vhal.org/event/veterans-day-celebration-3/
2. Veterans Day Outdoor Wellness at East Lake Park
When: Friday, November 8, 2024, 9–11:30 a.m.
Location: East Lake Park (200 84th Street North, Birmingham, AL)
About: Help plant trees at the Veterans Memorial Grove around the lake and walking track in East Lake Park. All gloves and needed tools will be provided. Long pants and closed toe shoes recommended for this activity. Gentle yoga and forest bathing also offered.
https://www.va.gov/birmingham-health-care/events/74288/
3. 18th Annual Veterans Day Salute Southern Museum of Flight
When: Friday, November 8, 2024, 5:30–8 p.m.
Location: Southern Museum of Flight (4343 73rd St N, Birmingham, AL)
About: Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. This event is free to the public!
https://www.va.gov/birmingham-health-care/events/74476/
4. UAB Veterans Day 5k
When: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Location: Railroad Park: 1600 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, AL
Honor those who have served this Veteran’s Day by participating your way. Runners, walkers, ruckers, strollers, and wheelchair racers all are welcome!
https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/UABVeteransDay5k
5. Veterans Day Celebration
When: Monday, November 11, 2024
Breakfast Reception: 8 a.m.; Celebration: 9 a.m.
Location: Highlands College (3660 Grandview Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243)
About: Highlands College invites Veterans and all who wish to honor their service and sacrifice to join as they celebrate the spirit of courage and resilience of our United States military members. Registration required.
https://highlandscollege.edu/events/veterans-day/
6. 2nd Annual City of Valor Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast 2024
When: Monday, November 11 2024 10am–12pm
Location: The Livery Event Center
About: All are welcome! Pancakes will be cooked fresh with all the toppings along with a coffee bar served free to the public. Donations are not required, and any received will be directed to the American Legion Post 107 to support them in their many efforts to serve the local veterans and the local community.
https://www.facebook.com/events/505048498912924/?ref_source=NEWS_FEED&_rdr
7. Veterans Day at the American Village
When: Monday, November 11, 2024; Veterans Day Salute runs from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: 3727 Highway 119 South, Montevallo, AL
About: The event includes family-friendly activities, a service at the Colonial Chapel at 11 a.m., and a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Veterans Shrine.
https://shelbyal.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=2522
8. 77th National Veterans Day Parade
When: Monday, November 11, 2024 at 1–4:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Birmingham
About: Longest running event of its kind in the U.S. celebrates 80 years since D-Day while honoring Veterans. The parade will be live streamed to all Veterans Health Administrations (VA) in central and northern Alabama, ensuring that every Veteran can participate in this momentous celebration. The event will showcase a vibrant mix of Veterans service organizations, military units, and local supporters, featuring color guards, high school bands, drill teams, and veteran muscle car clubs. For those unable to attend, the parade will also be broadcast live on nationalveteransday.org at 1:30 p.m.