The Army Recruiter’s Wife’s Weblog

It’s wierd – I can honestly say I haven’t put too much thought into Veterans Day in the past - and honestly, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that. After all, I’m a military brat married to a soldier. But for some reason – it changed this year. Maybe it had something to do with what happened at Fort Hood or maybe it was the constant Macy’s commercials peddling their Veterans Day Sale without a nod towards Veterans. I think my 30-day Giving Challenge in conjuction with Military Family Month might have had something to do with it also.

Either way – something in me changed.

I’ve experienced this overwhelming surge of pride, admiration, and just love for my folks that have served, are serving, or are planning on enlisting. I can’t explain it. I’ve spent the past week scouring the internet. I’ve been searching high and low for companies and organizations that are national that show their appreciation to veterans. I have also been reading blog posts, tweets, and facebook pages on organizations and groups that do things to support veterans, active duty military, and of course – military families. It’s overwhelming the support our veterans, active servicemembers, and families have – and it makes me feel good as a member of the military community. It’s also amazing how commercialized Veterans Day has become. I seriously thought it was just me – I mean how many commercials can you have on television advertising Veterans Day sales – but not a tad of info on the actual day or how the company is working to give back. Granted, there are companies out there making a concerted effort to give back -but then there are some companies that use Veterans Day as just another day to have a special sale.  I know it’s not me – or else there wouldn’t be things like the 11-11 Campaign out there. I love the piece they posted on their blog – so much so – I am going to post it on mine.

So, in honor of Veterans Day – find a way to say “thank you” to a veteran, an active duty servicemember, or even a family member of a veteran or servicemember. Also, take time to take a break from shopping those Veterans Day sales reflect on the tru meaning and purpose of Veterans Day.

As for me, I plan on calling my family members that are veterans and saying “thank you” tomorrow and spending time with my husband and family. I won’t be shopping tomorrow, as I will be saying “NO” to big retailers who are using Veterans Day as a means to help get a head start to their holiday earnings – though – we might go out for dinner. I will also continue in my commitment to my 30-day Giving Challenge in which I do things that “Give Back” to the military community.

What are you planning on doing this Veterans Day?