Before the turkey and stuffing hit the table, there’s another holiday that deserves our gratitude: Veterans Day. It’s the perfect day to honor the brave Americans who’ve stepped up to serve: enduring rigorous training, sacrificing time with loved ones, and putting everything on the line for our country.
Whether you know a veteran personally or not (yet!), this holiday is a wonderful opportunity for your nonprofit to show appreciation for their service. But how do you craft a meaningful message when you might not know them well? And what else can you do beyond sending a thoughtful card? We’ve gathered some unique ways to extend your gratitude and make your appreciation shine brighter than just a simple "thank you."
A handwritten card can speak volumes to veterans. Whether you’re part of a nonprofit that works directly with veterans or you are part of a PTA organizing a special service project for students this Veterans Day, custom cards are a heartfelt way to show appreciation. But figuring out what to write beyond a simple “thank you” can be tricky.
If you know which branch of the military the veteran served in, why not take it a step further and reference it in your message? This is a great opportunity to personalize your card beyond just their name. Each military branch has its own motto, and here’s a quick refresher:
U.S. Army: This We’ll Defend
U.S. Marine Corps: Semper Fi or Semper Fidelis
U.S. Air Force: Aim High… Fly-Fight-Win!
U.S. Navy: No official motto, but Anchors Aweigh is its official song
U.S. Coast Guard: Semper Paratus
You can easily fold these into your message. For example, “Semper Fi - your dedication as a Marine is incredibly inspiring” or “Fly-Fight-Win! Thank you for always aiming high as a member of the Air Force.” Personalizing your note with these mottos adds an extra layer of connection and thoughtfulness.
Don’t be shy about sharing a bit of your own story, too! Let them peek behind the curtain and see how their hard work and sacrifice have shaped your life. Whether it’s mentioning a grandparent who served in the military or sharing why you love calling the U.S. home (hello, freedom and community spirit!), these personal touches can go a long way. Just remember to keep it balanced. While it's important to share, don’t make the whole note about yourself. Highlight how their service lets you live your best life. Some other simple writing tips to share with others as they put together notes:
Toss in an inspiring quote
Steer clear of anything political
Skip asking about combat or tough experiences
Keep it upbeat and genuine, and your note will be sure to brighten their day!
While one person can absolutely make a difference, when a whole community rallies behind an important cause like supporting veterans, the impact can be incredible! Fundraisers are a great way to raise both awareness and money for nonprofits that help veterans. Consider some fun, creative ideas like:
1. Bake Sale: Whip up some patriotic treats like American flag cookies, red, white, and blue mini cupcakes, or chocolate-dipped pretzel sticks covered in festive sprinkles.
2. Custom Veteran’s Day Swag or Gear Sale: Sell custom stickers for water bottles, buttons, mini yard flags, or even bumper stickers that people can proudly show off while supporting veterans.
3. BBQ or Cookout: Partner with a local restaurant and put together a BBQ or cookout for people to come get some homemade food while supporting veterans at the same time. It’s a win-win—delicious food and a great cause!
4. Community 5K: Get everyone moving with a 5K! It’s a great way for families and athletes to come together, stay active, and raise money for veterans.
5. Local Concert: Reach out to local bands or singers and see if they’d be up for hosting a concert. Music, fun, and giving back? Count us in!
If you’ve got the time and energy, why not go big and organize a parade to show your appreciation for veterans? Give them the chance to walk or ride in the parade and invite local leaders, school bands, and businesses to join in the fun. Just don’t forget to spread the word with posters, flyers, and plenty of marketing materials to get the whole town excited!
These events don’t just raise funds—they bring the community together to show veterans how much they’re appreciated. And that’s something truly special!
Veterans Day is a perfect time to lend a helping hand! Whether you’re already connected with a nonprofit that supports veterans or you’re looking for new ways to volunteer, there are always opportunities to get involved. Reach out to local nonprofits in your area– maybe they need help driving veterans to their medical appointments, delivering meals, or even lending a hand with house projects. The possibilities are endless, and your time can truly make a difference.
And guess what? It doesn’t have to be just for Veterans Day! Volunteering could be the start of a year-long commitment to an amazing cause, helping veterans live better lives all year round.
Not all veterans are connected with organizations that will thank them personally for their service, so how can you reach them? Yard signs are a fun, creative way to show some love from a distance! Consider creating custom signs with messages like “We salute our veterans” to display outside your nonprofit or on the lawns of supporters. It’s a simple but powerful way to remind veterans that they are appreciated, and their contributions have made a huge impact.
Hand out the yard signs for free and encourage people to donate. A small donation could go toward your nonprofit’s work with veterans or be passed along to another veteran-focused organization. Fun fact: people are often more than willing to give when they know exactly where their money is going! For example, let donors know that $50 will provide a week’s worth of groceries for a veteran or cover a therapy session. Having a clear goal can inspire even more generosity!
With the holiday season in full swing, nonprofits can feel stretched thin between end-of-year tax drives and other seasonal events, it might seem hard to carve out time for a big Veterans Day fundraiser. But don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways to show your appreciation for veterans, even in small but meaningful ways.
Why not create a custom postcard to send to your supporters, honoring veterans and celebrating the day? You could also design eye-catching social media posts or heartfelt videos to share what Veterans Day means to you and your community. If you’ve got a physical space, consider putting up a custom banner—hang it on school fences, near busy intersections, or inside your nonprofit. You could even personalize it by featuring the names of local veterans to create a community wall of honor. A gesture like this might seem simple, but to veterans, it can mean the world.
At the heart of any meaningful gesture is sincerity. Whatever way you choose to thank a veteran, make sure it comes from genuine gratitude and respect for their service. We’re here to make the process of creating custom-printed materials as easy as possible. Whether it’s a single banner or a full set of postcards and flyers, we’re excited to help you show veterans the thoughtful appreciation they deserve.