Thank a Vet This Veterans Day!
The original Veterans Day commemorated the end of the first World War. When President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed it a national holiday, he also called on Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. There are nearly 20 million vets living in the U.S. today, from every walk of life, and this day is set aside to “honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
6 Ways to Thank a Vet
To embrace the spirit of Veterans Day watch one of these PSAs on The History Channel featuring Bradley Cooper and Tom Selleck or this YouTube video from the Bush Center. You’ll be inspired to serve those who have served you! It’s in that spirit of gratitude that we offer a few ideas acknowledge an American veteran for his or her service this month.
WRITE A CHECK. There are countless veterans organizations that could use some extra cash for programs that help wounded warriors, assist current service members who are having financial difficulties and give job counseling to people leaving the military.
BUY AN EVENT TICKET OR DONATE GIFT CARDS. If you have event tickets or gift cards (merchandise or restaurants) that will go unused, consider donating them to the Veteran Tickets Foundation. Event tickets, gift certificates, and gift cards will be used for the Tickets for Troops and Hero’s Wish programs. In all cases, contributions of this kind will benefit our military, veterans and their families. All event ticket contributions to the Veteran Tickets Foundation are also tax deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code.
BUY A VET A CUP OF COFFEE. Okay, this one doesn’t come with a tax deduction because making a gift to individuals – even really deserving ones – isn’t considered a charitable donation. But it’s still a nice thing to do.
DONATE YOUR CAR. You can use a free, convenient service like the one at Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation to donate a car, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat. The VFW arranges a pick-up within 24-72 hours and gives you a car donation receipt. Once the vehicle is sold, the charity will provide you with the sales receipt or federal form 1098C for your records.
ATTEND A VETERANS DAY EVENT like the one at the Erie Community Center — five minutes from Colliers Hill — and sponsored by Chick-fil-A. The celebration is Monday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. and begins with a catered meal from Chick-fil-A followed by a flag ceremony and a choral performance by the Erie High School Choir. Register to save your spot.
The Veterans Day Parade in Denver starts at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 10 at Colfax Avenue and 14th Street and travels around Civic Center Park. The Denver Veterans Day Run (5K and 10K), recognized as Denver’s official run for veterans, is open to runners, joggers, walkers, kids of all ages, and dogs, too. This year the run is ON Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11.
Proceeds from your registration (and donations!) go directly to helping Colorado Veterans. The Denver Veterans Day Run is hosted by Colorado Veterans Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that hosts special events to raise awareness and funds for local veteran organizations.
JUST SAY THANKS. You don’t get a tax deduction for this one, either. But it’s crazy-easy. And we promise you, it means a lot.
There are lots of free downloadable thank you cards you can pull off the internet from Free Church Forms, Operation We Are Here, and even Pinterest. And if you have an email address, select and share one of these online cards from Cross Cards.
Find a Vet to Thank
You may know of veterans in your church or neighborhood, even at work but if you don’t, call the Colorado State Veterans Home in Aurora at 720-857-6400 or the Northern Colorado Veteran Resource Center in Greeley at 970-888-4249. They can likely identify a veteran who might benefit from a note of cheer and/or thanks.
Grateful in Colliers Hill
We are grateful to veterans for their service and contributions to our nation. We invite you to reach out and give a vet a needed lift. And if you find yourself near the beautiful master-planned community of Colliers Hill, stop in and explore the 15 model homes from Colorado’s top home builders: Meritage Homes, Shea Homes and Richmond American Homes. New homes are available in ranch or two-story designs and priced from the upper $300s to the $600s.
