With the spread of #COVID-19 still a concern especially for aging veterans, many virtual observances of Veterans Day will be held in 2021. You can participate in an Apple Watch Activity Challenge by completing an 11-minute workout, hear the Chicago Symphony’s Tribute to Veterans, or attend the Indianapolis and Phoenix Veterans Day parades virtually. Or you can invite your favorite military veteran over for popcorn, drinks and a screening of the Disabled American Veterans’ The Battle Never Ends documentary on the HISTORY channel.
Tag: Veterans Day
Vietnam Veterans Return to the Wall
To recognize #veterans of Vietnam and pay tribute to all members of the armed services on Veterans Day, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund will hold its 2021 Veterans Day Ceremony at the Wall live this year after taking the remembrance virtual-only in 2020 to prevent the spread of #COVID-19. Vietnam veteran Gen. Barry McCaffrey will keynote the event, and Lt. Grace Moore, a veteran of the Army Nurse Corps, will follow with a talk about the importance of women in Vietnam. If you can’t make it to Washington, D.C., for the outdoor ceremony on Nov. 11, you can stream the event live on VVMF’s Facebook page.
Veterans Day: Local, Live and Virtual
Armistice Day was created to recognize the end of World War I in “the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th month.” Rechristened Veterans Day in 1954, Nov. 11 recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of all who serve in the U.S. military. Observances often include parades, memorials, speeches and other events, but if COVID-19 has disrupted local plans, you can always livestream the VA’s National Veterans Day Observance on Nov. 11 at Arlington National Cemetery, which starts at starting at 11 a.m. EST with the laying of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns.
More Ways to Help Veterans Ahead of the Holidays
If you didn’t get the chance to celebrate Veterans Day before the weekend, now is a great time to visit a nearby veterans cemetery to put flowers, a wreath or a miniature flag on a grave — or help volunteer to tend to some of the graves before winter sets in. You can also adopt a veteran family for the holidays or make a donation to the Vietnam Veterans of America and ClothingDonations.org to help veterans in need during the holidays. They will appreciate your thoughts any time of year.
Celebrate Veterans Any Day of the Year
Veterans Day was yesterday, but you can still celebrate and thank those who have served today. Drop off a dozen donuts at the local veterans organization, volunteer to help out, or write a letter to the troops. You can also clean out a closet and donate some of your extra stuff to ClothingDonations.org any day of the year to help veterans in need. Your donations will be resold, and the proceeds will help fund programs that help supply veterans with health care housing, and other needs.