Giving back to those who gave so much
Monday’s observance of Memorial Day provides the perfect opportunity for all of us to give some thought this week to how we can honor those who continue to serve in our military services. There are so many ways we can give back even just a little bit of what these veterans sacrifice. Here are few ways:
1) Visit vets in a nursing home
Many veterans, especially from World War II and the Vietnam War, are elderly, and many are in nursing homes. Some don’t have family nearby and would surely love visitors. If you know a veteran who is in a local nursing home, contact the nursing home to see if you can pay the veteran a visit. Once you have approval and have made your first visit, see if you can schedule monthly or quarterly visits. The veteran will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and you may end up making a friend and hearing some fascinating stories.
2) Donate to a Military Organization
There are several organizations that seek to help those in the military as well as their families. Choose one of these organizations for an annual tax donation. Whether it’s spiritual or physical needs of active military or veterans that you decide to support, this is a great way to express your gratefulness to those who have served — or are serving — our country. Possibilities include local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion chapters.
Our local American Legion Post 64 and the Kelley Dickinson Post 5184 are very active in helping veterans. Recently, the two groups co-sponsored a benefit car and bike show to raise funds for their activities. If you’ve served in the military and are not a member, consider becoming a member of the post. If not, call either organization and see how you could contribute time or finances to help them out.
Or, you can donate to the Marine Corps League’s annual Toys for Tots campaign. The Cpl. Matthew D. Conley Detachment 1477 of Sheffield begins its annual drive in October each year. Last year, 2,448 children in Franklin, Lauderdale, Colbert, Marion and Winston counties benefitted from the drive.
3) Teach your kids how to honor service members
As Ronald Reagan once famously said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Take the opportunity on special holidays such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day to teach your kids about these holiday and what they stand for. And during those holidays, urge them to say a polite “thank you” to any soldier they might see in uniform.
4) Pray for Vets and Their Families
Prayer is one of the most important things you can do to remember veterans and those who are currently serving our country. The ongoing conflict with Iran has put our military services in the face of danger and the U.S. sailors, soldiers and pilots really need our prayers at this time.
You can pray for veterans to experience healing from physical injuries, PTSD, and the invisible scars of military service. Ask God to restore their minds, bodies, and spirits.
You can pray for veterans returning from a war zone who are trying to adjust to civilian life, finding purpose, employment, and stability. Ask God to guide their steps and provide peace in every transition.
You can pray that veterans would feel connected, supported, and never alone. Ask God to surround them with loving relationships and a strong community.
You can ask God to watch over those who are in war zones and protect them and bring them home safely.
