On this special day, we should all pause and salute those who have served and honor the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces and their families to preserve our freedom. So, with Veteran’s Day right around the corner, you might be wondering how you can show your appreciation to the veterans in your life and community. Here are 5 ways to honor Veterans and all those that serve our country.

Donate to a Veterans Charity

If you would like to help out but don’t have the time to volunteer, you can make a donation to a reputable organization that represents veterans. There are more than 40,000 U.S. charities dedicated to assisting U.S. Veterans, you might not know which one to choose. Here is a list of some organizations:

• Pat Tillman Fund
• Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust
• Fisher House Foundation
• Soldier’s Angels
• Operation Gratitude
• Semper Fi Fund / America’s Fund
• Homes for Our Troops
• Hire Heroes USA
• Yellow Ribbon Fund
• PTSD Foundation
• Honor Flight

Take part in the National Two Minutes of Silence

The United States House of Representatives passed an act called, Veteran’s Day Moment of Silence Act. At 2:11 PM on Veteran’s Day, whether you’re at work, at home, or in the car, take two minutes to silently reflect on the service and sacrifice of all veterans, past and present.

“Our country has a responsibility to the men and women in our armed forces to honor their courageous service and sacrifice. By coming together as a nation with a moment of silence each Veterans Day, we send a powerful message of our appreciation for all veterans have done for our country,” Congressman Stephen F. Lunch.

Wear a Poppy

Many veterans wear hats, pins, or uniforms to show their pride in their service. If you are not a veteran but would like to support the veterans in your community and around the country, you can wear an American flag pin or a red poppy to show your gratitude for these service members. The significance of the red poppy is from the famous World War I poem, “In Flanders Fields.” These red flowers were the first to bloom in the fields after battles in France and Belgium. Poppies are also considered a symbol of appreciation for veterans in various European countries.

 “Adopt” a Military Family this Holiday Season

Many military families have limited resources or might have a parent that is currently deployed. This makes putting together celebrations, gifts, and meals for the holidays difficult. You can help these veterans take some of the weight off their shoulders by sponsoring them during the holidays. You may be asked to provide gifts for children or gift cards and other resources to help them cook a holiday meal. You could make a huge difference for these families.

Take part in the #BeThereCampaign

According to research, 70 percent of the number of veterans that took their own lives were suffering in silence instead of seeking mental health treatment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs launched the #BeThereInitiative to bring awareness to this horrifying tragedy. So this year be a part of the #BeThereInitiative, bring a veteran a meal, send some flowers, or write a letter.

From all of us here at Stanton Insurance, Happy Veteran’s Day.

As an independent insurance agency, we can meet all of your insurance needs with the companies we represent, providing personal and business solutions under one roof! Head over to our website or give us a call to learn more. Stanton Insurance Agency, Inc.  (781) 893-3200 www.stantonins.com