How to thank a veteran on Veterans Day

After asking a few veterans about being thanked for their service on Veterans Day, many shared a common response; that it was uncomfortable and many feel like they didn’t deserve special praise or recognition. In response, these veterans provided some insightful recommendations for how to appropriately thank a veteran on Veterans Day.

First, as eager as you might be to salute a service member, don’t. You will just look awkward, and the veteran will likely not return your salute. If you see a service member at the airport, in the grocery store or on your way to work, stop to thank them, but keep it brief and do not pursue them on foot or in your car. Many service members may feel awkward when approached by strangers and may not feel like thanks is necessarily appropriate. Try not to ask them personal questions about their service — especially regarding their combat experience.

Do not ask if they hurt anyone and certainly do not ask if they have seen someone die. Those questions are intrusive and may bring up unwanted memories or feelings of guilt. Instead, ask them general questions such as when and where they served, the unit they served with, or service branch they served in.

Furthermore, take the opportunity to visit a local VA Hospital and talk with veterans. The San Francisco VA Health Care System has six outpatient facilities in Santa Rosa, Eureka, Ukiah, Clearlake, San Bruno and San Francisco. Contact them and see if you can schedule a visit, drop by to talk with veterans, or volunteer. Many VA clinics have special lunches on Veterans Day, so ask if you can volunteer to prepare food and interact with the veterans.

There are indirect ways to thank veterans too. Make a donation to a nonprofit veterans organization or send a care package to deployed soldiers. If you don’t know any soldiers to whom to send a care package, that’s not a problem. Reach out through your house of worship, local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter or American Legion post and ask about sending a care package. They may be able to provide information about service members who are currently deployed from your local area with whom you can connect.

If you are a business owner or manager, try offering a veteran’s discount as an indirect way to say “thank you.” Not only will you reinforce current clientele, but you will expand your core base as well. Veterans do not expect any special discounts or free meals, but they will certainly be appreciative of your consideration.

If nothing else, Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly your flag outside your house. Just make sure to follow proper flag-flying protocol.

Whatever you choose to do, your gratitude and appreciation goes a long way in supporting local veterans.

Elizabeth A. Brunette (Constantino) is an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, West Point graduate and an active duty Army captain serving with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. She is a Bay Area native from Burlingame, California and attended Mills High School.