With days becoming longer and sunnier, we’re all looking forward to firing up the barbecue and enjoying some quality time with friends and family. As we look forward to the Independence Day holiday, we are reminded of the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make for our freedom; and want to raise awareness for the many ways you can make a difference in the life of someone who has or is serving our great country. Here are five things you can do to improve the lives of living veterans and active-duty military.
Donate a Car
If you’re thinking of trading in your old car/boat/motorcycle for a newer one, or are in possession of a vehicle that no longer runs, consider donating it to Vehicles for Veterans, a charity that turns cars into cash for disabled vets.
Sponsor a Dog
Puppies Behind Bars is a nonprofit organization that employs prison inmates in the training of service dogs for disabled veterans and law enforcement. More than 755 canines have been raised and given important jobs since 1997. To learn more about how you can contribute, check out their website.
Fill a Care Package
To support active-duty military personnel and first responders, there are ample opportunities to hold food drives, ship care kits, and raise funds through Operation Gratitude. This organization has provided a wealth of services to our armed forces.
Send a Card or Bouquet
Unfortunately, many of our veterans are a little short on caring friends and family. Letters of appreciation and encouragement do much to improve their morale. By sending a heartfelt note or card through A Million Thanks or The Memorial Day Foundation, you can brighten the holiday for one of our soldiers and foster greater kinship with your community. You can also stop by any of our practice location and fill our a Thank You card for an active duty service member.
Decorate a Headstone
Another way to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country is to visit your local cemetery and place flowers, ribbons, or small flags on the unadorned graves of the fallen. Some headstones may be worn and hard to read, but every soldier deserves to be remembered. By sharing your love in these places of rest, you are contributing to an environment in which living veterans can feel appreciated and respected.