According to the latest info from the Pew Research Center, there are nearly 21 million veterans in the United States. That’s 21 million people sacrificing their time and energy to keep us safe.
We feel that these veterans deserve a special thanks. And what says thank you better than a gift?
Here are five great gift ideas for veterans that they’re sure to cherish.
1. Your Time
You don’t have to spend a single penny to give back to that special veteran in your life — or veterans you’ve never met, for that matter.
VA hospitals are always looking for people to volunteer their time, so consider spending a fulfilling afternoon giving back to those who’ve given so much to you.
There’s a wide range of activities you can do, from helping the nurses change the bedding to simply reading and talking with patients.
It may not seem like much to you, but many VA hospitals are severely understaffed and your time makes a major difference.
2. A Handwritten Letter
Take some time to reflect on what your favorite veteran means to you. Then, pen a handcrafted letter that expresses your gratitude for their service and their presence in your life.
Again, it may seem like a small gesture, but you can rest assured that they’ll keep it for years.
3. A Display Case
Military tradition dictates the celebration of promotion of ranking with a patch, medal, or challenge coin. These treasures signify hours of hard work along with blood, sweat, and tears.
Because of their significance, it’s only fitting that your vet has a worthy place to store their accolades.
Invest in a challenge coin display case or a shadowbox for their medals, so they can keep their honors in a safe, secure location.
4. A Charity Donation in Their Name
There are plenty of great charities dedicated to helping the veteran population. For instance:
- Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust
- Thanks USA
- Semper Fi Fund
- The Gary Sinise Foundation
- Operation Second Chance
- Freedom Service Dogs of America
Each charity has a unique aim. The Semper Fi Fund, for instance, provides financial assistance to service members.
Find a charity whose cause speaks to your heart and make a small monetary donation in your vet’s name.
5. Personalized Dog Tags
Like medals and patches, dog tags are decorative, yet serve an important purpose. In military culture, they’re a means of identifying an individual.
However, most dog tags are quite basic, containing a name, rank, branch of the military, and so forth. Why not add a little pizzazz to your vet’s tags?
In addition to the basic info usually engraved on dog tags, you can include a custom message of gratitude and love.
Celebrate Your Favorite Vet with These Gift Ideas for Veterans
It’s time to give thanks to the veterans in your life, and these gift ideas for veterans are sure to please.
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