Celebrating Veterans Day
Honoring our veterans and their families for the sacrifices that protect our freedom—small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
By Spark Kindness Team
Dear Spark Community:
There is no greater kindness or service to community than being a veteran. We are grateful to all of our veterans, as well as their families, whose service to our country have ensured our precious freedom.
Outlined below are many ways that we can honor the service of our Veterans. Though we can never fully repay them for the depth of their sacrifice, we can reach out in kindness, which always makes a difference.
With deep gratitude to our Veterans ~ The Spark Kindness Team
Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.
— President Harry Truman
Featured Video from PBS Kids - explaining importance of Veterans Day to children:
Resources for Honoring and Celebrating Veterans
- Read: 11 Ways to Help Veterans, Soldiers and Their Families (from USA Today). Check out this list with ideas and links to great organizations that are working to support veterans.
- Listen: The mission of the Natick Veterans Oral History Project is to collect and preserve the personal recollections of those men and women who have served their country in the armed forces past and present. Take some time to listen to the wonderful stories of sacrifice and dedication from local Veterans.
- Explore: Smithsonian Guide. This tribute includes intergenerational activities to honor the legacy of the country’s veterans.
- Listen: Story Corps Military Voices Initiative. Honor the strength and sacrifice of veterans and military families by exploring these powerful stories.
Mental Health Resources for Veterans
"Depending on your relationship with the Veteran and whatever they’re going through, your support could range from a small act of kindness, to intervening in a crisis, to encouraging them to start or continue in mental health treatment." Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs for mental health resources for veterans.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7, free and confidential resource for veterans and their friends and families. You can reach the line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or Text 838255. If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about someone, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help. Learn more about the veterans crisis line here.