November 11 is Veterans Day, a time to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the armed services. America marks Veterans Day with parades and ceremonies. While veterans should be honored daily, the holiday gives a special excuse to thank veterans for their patriotism, their sacrifices for the common good, their willingness to serve, and their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the rest of the nation.

appreciating-veterans-sacrifices

Appreciation

Americans’ appreciation of their military veterans runs deep. From the Revolutionary War to present day, veterans have shown uncommon valor in defending the country. There are many ways to show our gratitude to veterans. We can send care packages to troops overseas, display a flag in our yard, and visit the grave of a veteran. We can talk to an aging veteran, ask them about their wartime experiences, and listen as they recount their stories.

Veteran Support

American businesses show their support for the armed services by hiring veterans. Military veterans offer businesses the following:

  • A wide range of technical experiences and skills
  • Ability to adapt to high-change and high-pressure environments
  • Experience in demanding and pressured environments
  • A deep sense of commitment to corporate mission and values
  • A wide range of experience in supervisory and interpersonal skills
  • A deep sense of discipline
  • A strong work ethic

Military spouses and family members, because of their exposure to military life and discipline, also form an excellent pool of workers that businesses can hire from. Businesses that want to hire veterans into their workforce can get some excellent guide from “Hiring Veterans- A Step by Step Toolkit for Employers” from the U.S. Department of Labor.

On Veterans Day, businesses may also show their support and appreciation of veterans by offering them discounts, free products, or special services. It’s a small way to thank those who continue to make America the “land of the free.”