There are currently over 18 million veterans living in the United States. These men and women sacrificed years of their lives to serve and protect this country by upholding the freedoms that our flag represents. If you'd like to thank them in some way for their service, here are a few ideas you can try. 

How to Show Appreciation for Veterans

1. Display the Flag 

As a civilian home, you may not necessarily have a flag pole, but there are several days throughout the year when it is respectful to display the U.S. flag on your property. Some of these include Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, The Fourth of July, and Armed Forces Day. Generally, any official holidays, election days, and critical holidays celebrated by most of the population call for a reminder to display the flag. However, make sure to take it down at the end of the day or if the weather gets bad.

2. Volunteer the VA Hospital

From providing companionship to helping with recreational activities, you likely possess some skill that could be of use to veterans at your local Department of Veteran Affairs hospital, nursing home, or clinic. They'll be able to match you with veterans in the area who could use help with running errands or performing a few tasks around their house. 

3. Buy Their Meal

If you happen to overhear that you're eating near a veteran while at a restaurant, you can show your thanks for their service by picking up their tab. This type of appreciation isn't limited to meals, either. If you run into a veteran at the gas station or the grocery store and want to do something for them, see what they're trying to buy and inquire if you can cover it.

If you want to display an American flag proudly in your front yard to help honor our veterans, visit Harbortown Flag, Inc. in Vermilion, OH. This flag store sells U.S. flags made in a variety of material options and ranging in size. They also carry residential- and commercial-grade indoor and outdoor flag poles and a variety of flag attachment and display accessories. View the available products they sell by visiting their website. You can also call them at (440) 967-3524 with any questions.