As we come together in November to honor and remember the heroes who have defended our country, there are several great ways to go about it. Veterans Day activities may vary but their goals remain the same—putting the spotlight on Vets and having fun in the process.

12 Veterans Day Activities to Honor and Remember Our Vets

While we should appreciate our Veterans every day, we always make an extra point of doing so on November 11th. Here are twelve Veterans Day activities that show honor and thanks to our Vets that you and your families will love:

1. Support Veteran Businesses

The United States is home to around 2.5 million Veteran-owned businesses, making up more than 9% of all ventures in our nation.

If you’re looking to give back to Vets in a meaningful way, support their efforts and passions by patronizing their businesses.

While this is a great Veterans Day activity, it’s a good practice in general. Small businesses are important to so many communities and supporting Vets is a great way to keep people employed, goods flowing, and services available.

2. Go to a Parade or Event

Whether you live in a small town or a large city, it’s clear that you won’t have to look far to find a Veterans Day parade near you.

There are several Veterans Day events big and small available to honor our nation’s heroes, including parades, breakfasts, etc. taking place around the nation.

This may include laying wreaths in honor of those who have passed away or enjoying the most patriotic parade you’ve ever seen.

Every year, New York City hosts the largest parade and the Veterans Day National Ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, however, you’ll find something to do no matter where you live.

These are great Veterans Day activities for adults and kids alike as there is something to enjoy for everyone.

3. Listen to Veterans

It could be at a corporate event or any similar gathering, inviting a Veteran to speak can be an engaging, eye-opening experience for everyone.

Having a Vet as a keystone speaker is one of many great Veterans Day activities for students, who may not have had the opportunity to fully understand what the military does to maintain everyone’s freedoms.

4. Say Thanks

Out of all of the activities on Veterans Day, make sure you don’t forget to simply say thanks to the Vets in your life and community. Here are a few ways to do so:

• Make a card or write to a Veteran saying thank you.
• Tell your family members, friends, and coworkers who have served.
• Buy a Veteran something to eat or a coffee and tell them thank you for their service.
• If you have a business and can provide a discount or free service/product, remember Vets in November.

5. Get Outdoors

Another great activity on Veterans Day, and one Veterans themselves can really enjoy, is to visit one of our nation’s beautiful national parks.

Not only is admission free, but it’s a great way to get up, stay active, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes we sometimes take for granted.

6. Arts and Crafts

Making Veterans Day art activities is fun for kids and adults, who get the opportunity to use their creative side to say thanks.

There are so many arts and crafts you can do ranging from finger painting to drawing to making collages, and so much more.

Check out these great ideas for arts and crafts to help you get the creative juices flowing this Veterans Day.

7. Honor Veterans With Plants

If you want to honor Veterans, planting may be a great way to go about it. This could be flowers, trees, shrubs, or whatever you prefer.

Many communities have gardening clubs and events. Be sure to look out for local efforts around Veterans Day which may have activities planned to honor our Vets who are still here and those who have passed away.

8. Donate to the Veteran Community

Volunteer or donate: You can volunteer or donate to a charity that helps veterans in need.

Participate in a clean-up: You can participate in a clean-up at a military cemetery or memorial.

9. Make Someone a Care Package

Within the Veteran community, 79% have an immediate family member who is also a Veteran, according to the Pew Research Center.

Chances are, if you know a Vet, they either know someone serving or know someone who does.

While Veterans Day activities typically give back to those who have served our nation, if you know a Vet who has a loved one still serving, reach out and ask about sending a care package.

Together, you can provide active service members with much-appreciated goods while showing respect to your friends who are Veterans by thinking of their families in the process.

10. A Moment of Silence on Veterans Day

One of the most powerful Veterans Day activities for Veterans themselves may simply be observing a moment of silence.

Having a community event where everyone comes together to respect and remember those who have served to defend our freedoms is a great way to show thanks.

However, for others, even a smaller, quiet, private moment throughout the day can be a great way to internally reflect and remember how much Vets do for our nation.

Whichever Veterans Day activities you incorporate, be sure to get involved, show respect, and honor those who make the American way of life possible.

11. Visit a Memorial or Cemetery

While the traditions of Veterans Day may include going to larger events as listed above, for some families, memorials and cemeteries are a much more solemn affair.

If you have a loved one that has passed defending our nation or are close to someone who has, a great way to honor their legacy and to show support, is by visiting their grave or memorial on November 11.

Find a cemetery by clicking the link.

12. Learn More About Veterans

There are several places on Veterans Day that open their doors in full force to educate the public about the community.

For example, all National Parks aren’t just offering free admission to Vets, but many have programs, tours, or direct ties to Veterans, specifically, through the Civil War.

However, if you don’t live near a National Park, no worries. There are local museums dedicated to the military and Veterans along with libraries offering discussions, events, movies, books, meet-and-greets, and much more.

Suggested reads:

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The Silent Struggle: Caring for Vets & Their Mental Health on Veterans Day