Every year on November 11, Americans honor the 19.6 million active and former U.S. service members who have gone to war.
Veterans Day is marked by parades, speeches and solemn ceremonies offering a nation's appreciation.
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Here are ways to go beyond saying "thanks for your service" and truly make a difference in a veteran's life -- on this day and throughout the year.
Volunteer
This online tool identifies volunteer opportunities at local VA offices. You can also join the Volunteer Transportation Network to help veterans get to appointments at VA medical facilities. You can also find ways to help veterans and their families on VolunteerMatch.
Send a care package or a letter
Operation Gratitude has sent more than 2 million individually addressed care package to the military community. The packages go to current military members as well as veterans, wounded warriors and their caregivers. As more American troops return to civilian life, the Operation Gratitude veterans program has been growing. It also has a letter writing campaign encouraging everyone to write handwritten letters of gratitude to veterans.
Support veterans suffering from PTSD
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder can put stress on not just veterans but also their families and friends. More than a third of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have or will experience PTSD. And veterans of past wars are still dealing with the ghosts of their time in the service.
If you know a veteran who might be dealing with PTSD, you can connect them with helpful resources. The VA offers the PTSD Coach Online to help veterans learn to manage symptoms, come up with ways to cope and find professional help. The National Center for PTSD provides a Veterans Crisis Line by phone at 1-800-8255, by text at 838255 and by online chat at this link: Confidential Veterans Chat.
Sponsor a service dog
Service dogs can help veterans living with PTSD and other disabilities regain control, independence and mobility. Freedom Service Dogs of America match highly specialized service dogs with service members needing assistance in their transition back to civilian life.
Puppies Behind Bars is a program in which prisoners train companion dogs for veterans with PTSD. Donors can sponsor a dog and receive updates on the dog's training and life with its veteran.
Donate travel points
The Fisher House operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flier miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members. Hotel points can also be donated to provide hotel rooms for families of the veterans when a Fisher House is not available. The Fisher House Foundation has a network of homes on the grounds of military and VA hospitals around the country. These homes help family members be close during the hospitalization of a loved one for a combat injury, illness or disease.
Help veterans on the streets
A phone call can also make difference in the life of a veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Call 877-4AID-VET, or 877-424-3838, to connect with help at the VA. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Stand Down program is designed to help homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Stand Downs are usually one- to three-day events that provide food, shelter, clothing and health screenings to homeless and unemployed veterans. To find a Stand Down program in your community, contact your local VA hospital.
Build a home for severely injured vets
Severely injured veterans often come home needing a place to live that better accommodates their physical disabilities. Building Homes for Heroes builds specially modified homes for veterans that help them live independently. These homes are provided at no cost to the veterans. The organization also provides financial planning services.
Honor the greatest generation
The Honor Flight Network helps veterans of the "greatest generation" make a free pilgrimage to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. You can volunteer to escort these men and women on the flight to see this memorial. Honor Flight also helps terminally ill veterans who served in any conflict visit memorials to those wars in Washington as well.
Share their stories
So many veterans' stories have been left untold, but the Library of Congress is collecting the tales from veterans of every war through the Veterans History Project. If you are related to a veteran or know one who has a story to tell, the Library of Congress wants to hear it. Help veterans share their stories before it's too late.
Let them know they matter
By telling a veteran how much you appreciate their service, you are letting them know their decision to serve our country makes a difference. It's a simple gesture, but it can make an impact. And so many veterans have never heard the words "thank you." If you know a veteran or see someone in a military uniform, say something. It may make his or her day and yours.
Bethany Hines contributed to this report.
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Businesses are thanking veterans and military with discounts on Veterans Day all year long. and (Photo: Cat Lane / Getty Images)
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Veteran's Day is a day to honor all those who have given their service to our country, and loads of retailers, restaurants, and online stores have special deals, discounts and freebies for veterans as well as active-duty military (and in some cases, spouses and immediate family can qualify too). We rounded them all up so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying these little perks. And if you want to find even more deals and discounts on individual products, there are plenty of pre-Black Friday sales to take advantage of right now as well.
Online stores and bricks-and-mortar stores also are showing them some love as well. To thank veterans and active-duty military for their service, stores will offer special discounts to individuals with a military identification. Many businesses may also accept discharge papers, Veterans Administration cards, and veterans organization membership cards as proof of service. Some savings extend to spouses and families and many military discounts are offered year 'round or on a regular basis.
For online shopping, there's a different process for service members to get these discounts. Many retailers are using third-party verification services to confirm only eligible people are able to take advantage of these offers.
“More and more brands are giving back to the military community by providing exclusive offers to those who have served our country," said Jake Weatherly, CEO for SheerID, a third-party verification service. "We’re privileged to help brands across the country honor the brave women and men of our military, on Veterans Day and throughout the year.”
More: Veterans Day 2018: All the places vets can get free food and meal deals Sunday and Monday
Limited-time offers
Academy Sports + Outdoors: Get 10 percent off your entire purchase now through Sunday, Nov. 11. Show proof of verification at www.academy.com or present a valid military ID at stores.
Bed, Bath & Beyond: Get 25 percent off your entire purchase through Monday, Nov. 12 in-store only for veterans, active-duty personnel, and military spouses.
Big Lots: Get an 11 percent in-store discount Sunday and Monday.
Buckle: Service members can get 10 percent off purchases all year long but, but for Veterans Day, they can also get free shipping now through Nov. 20. Learn more at https://www.buckle.com/military.
Buy Buy Baby: Get 25 percent off your entire purchase through Monday, in-store only.
Dollar General: Get an 11 percent discount in-store and online Sunday. For online purchases, use promo code "MILITARY11" this Sunday.
Food Lion: Get a 10 percent discount Monday with a rewards card and military ID for military personnel, veterans, and their family members.
Fresh Market: Get 10 percent off all purchases Sunday and Monday.
Harris Teeter: Get an 11 percent discount Sunday with a rewards card and government-issued military ID for military personnel, veterans and their family members.
Kmart: Though Monday, the retailer has an “Unsung Heroes” promotion and is offering a 10 percent in-store discount for veterans, active military, first responders, teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and nurses.
Mattress Firm: Through Monday, get a 20 percent discount for veterans and their families, military, and first responders. Use the promo code "VETS20" to get the discount online.
Publix: Get 10 percent off groceries Sunday for veterans, active military personnel, and their families.
Sears: For a limited time, Sears is offering a military discount for active military and veterans of 20 percent off regular-priced merchandise and 5 percent off sale prices for tools and Lawn & Garden merchandise.
Southeastern Grocers: BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores are offering an 11 percent discount on qualifying grocery purchases to veterans and active military Sunday only.
Target: Save 10 percent at Target stores or Target.com now through Nov. 12 with verification. Some exclusions apply and online verification is required through SheerID.
Tractor Supply: On Sunday, Tractor Supply is offering a 15 percent discount to veterans and active military personnel and their dependents with a valid military ID or other proof of service.
Walgreens: With a free store loyalty card and valid military ID or proof of service, vets, active duty, and their families get 20 percent off regular price items Sunday.
World Market: Get 25 percent off your entire purchase through Monday in-store for veterans, active-duty, and military spouses.
Ongoing military discounts
These retailers offer discounts and perks for vets and active-duty military personnel all year long. Participation can vary by location and proof of military service is usually required.
A.C. Moore: Get 15 percent off your total purchase, including regular and sale items, with a valid military ID every day.
Advance Auto Parts: Get 10 percent off regularly priced items for in-store purchases for active-duty, reserve and retired status members, as well as all veterans receiving VA benefits, spouses, and dependent children up to age 18 with proof of military status.
AT&T: Qualified active-duty military, reserves, National Guard, veterans, and spouses of active-duty and deceased service personnel can get 15 percent off monthly service charges on eligible plans.
Bass Pro Shops: Military members can save 5 percent every day.
Big 5 Sporting Goods: Get 10 percent off entire purchase for active duty, reserve military, retirees, veterans, spouses, and dependent children with military ID or veteran status on driver’s license. In-store only.
Cabela's: Military members can save 5 percent every day.
Champion: Save 20 percent on most online purchases after verifying military service at www.champion.com.
Foot Locker: Save 20 percent on most online purchases after verifying military service on www.footlocker.com.
General Motors: Military get discounts on new GM vehicles, as well as other cash offers. Learn more about the GM Military Discount program at www.gmmilitarydiscount.com.
Hanes: Save 20 percent on most online purchases after verifying military service at www.hanes.com.
Home Depot: Active-duty military, National Guard and reserve, retiree, and disabled service members and their spouses, get a 10 percent everyday discount.
Joann Stores: The arts and crafts store offers a 15 percent year 'round discount for military service members and their families.
Lowe’s: Get 10 percent off eligible purchases every day for active military personnel and veterans. Enroll at www.lowes.com/military.
Michaels: Get 15 percent discounts for military families every day.
Nike: Active, veteran, retired and reservists, spouses and dependents of active personnel get a 10 percent military discount at Nike.com as well as in Nike, Converse, and Hurley stores. To get the discount online, verification of eligibility is required. You'll need a military ID to get in-store savings too.
Old Time Pottery: Get a 10 percent military discount every day for active, retired military and their immediate families.
O'Reilly Auto Parts: Get an in-store discount of 10 percent off the retail price of most items for active duty, reserve members, retired service members, and veterans with valid ID. Immediate family members of active duty or veterans are eligible for discount if they have a government-issued dependent ID card (DD form 1173 or 1173-1).
Pep Boys: Get a 10 percent discount every day for active and retired military with valid military or veteran ID.
Rack Room Shoes: Get a 10 percent military discount on Veterans Day and every Tuesday throughout the year with a valid military ID.
Sam’s Club: Through Jan. 31, when active and former members of the U.S. military and their spouses join this membership club in-store or online, they get a free $10 gift card. To redeem this offer in-store, print out the offer details from the Sam’s Club website. Proof of service is required.
Sherwin-Williams: The company offers a year 'round 15 percent military discount for active military and veterans reservists as well as their spouses.
T-Mobile: The military plan offers 50 percent off family lines for all military and veterans. Learn more at www.t-mobile.com/military.
Verizon: Get $15 off select plans or 15 percent on other eligible plans. Learn more at www.verizonwireless.com/military.
Local deals: Locally owned businesses and regional chains may have free meals and discounts for military. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check restaurants' social media channels (or just give them a call and ask).
More discounts: Find additional discounts including at hotels and other online retailers at shop.id.me/military and www.sheerid.com, two verification sites. Another option is Veterans Advantage, which offers a one-month free trial. Learn more at www.veteransadvantage.com.
Prices are accurate at the time of publication, but may change over time.
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Veterans Day is officially celebrated on November 11 each year. It’s a special day to commemorate all of those who have and continue serving in our armed services, and the holiday is held on November 11 annually because that was the day in 1918 when World War I ended.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, and when it falls on a weekend — like it did for Veterans Day 2017, and like it does again this year — it is generally observed on the closest weekday.
Veterans Day 2018 is on a Sunday, when many offices, businesses, schools, banks, and the post office would be closed anyway. So, in most cases, Veterans Day is being observed on Monday, November 12, this year. Here are more specifics on whether banks, post offices, restaurants, stores, schools, and more are open or closed for Veterans Day.
Are Banks Open or Closed on Veterans Day 2018?
Many banks are closed on every Sunday, so it’s especially difficult to tell if banks are open or closed on Veterans Day 2018 itself, or on Monday, November 12, in observance of Veterans Day. Peoples United Bank and Eastern Bank, for example, state specifically that their locations are closed on Sunday, November 11, for Veterans Day, but open on Monday.
Meanwhile, the branches of banks like Chase, U.S. Bank, and First Citizens Bank are closed on Monday, November 12, in observation of Veterans Day, and have normal business hours on Sunday, November 11. (That doesn’t necessarily mean these banks are open on Sunday; they are simply closed or open as if it was a regular Sunday.) The branches of some other banks, like TD Bank, are open on both Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12.
Overall, there’s a good chance your bank is closed on Sunday and Monday. But because there is no overarching rule for whether banks are open or closed on Veterans Day 2018, you should check out your local bank’s website or call up to see about Veterans Day hours.
Are Post Offices Open on Veterans Day? Is Mail Delivered on Monday?
Post offices are closed on November 11 in 2018 because it is a Sunday. Monday, November 12, is a postal holiday — the day that Veterans Day 2018 is being observed — so post offices are closed and no mail will be delivered. However, most FedEx and UPS stores and services are open on Monday.
Is the Stock Market Open or Closed for Veterans Day?
The stock market is always closed on Sunday, so it is closed on November 11. As for Monday, November 12, when Veterans Day 2018 is being widely observed, the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and other major U.S.-based exchanges are open for business with regular hours.
Are Schools Open or Closed on Monday for Veterans Day?
Most schools, including public schools in major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Boston are closed on Monday, November 12, in observance of Veterans Day 2018. There are exceptions, though: In Atlanta, for example, public schools are open on Monday, November 12.
While most schools are closed for Veterans Day on Monday, it’s best to check your school’s online calendar to see if kids and teachers have the day off on November 12.
Is Walmart Open on Veterans Day? Are Restaurants and Stores Open or Closed?
Walmart is open on Sunday and Monday. Likewise, virtually all major restaurants and stores are open on Veterans Day itself and Monday, November 12. In fact, many stores host huge sales over Veterans Day holiday weekend, and dozens of restaurants are open on Veterans Day with special freebies and discounts available for customers with military ID.
Are Government Offices Open or Closed on Monday for Veterans Day?
Monday, November 12, 2018, is recognized as a federal holiday, and all non-essential federal government offices are closed. Monday is also the day Veterans Day is being observed at the vast majority of state and local government offices, and locally-funded institutions such as libraries. They are all generally closed on Monday, November 12.
BY AMY SHERMAN | asherma2@mlive.com
From national chains, to locally owned spots, businesses across Michigan are offering special deals and discounts to both active military and veterans November 11 and 12 in honor of Veterans Day 2018.
Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. This year, since it falls on a Sunday, the official federal holiday will be observed on Monday November 12. Many of these Veterans Day specials will be offered both days.
A special day to honor the service of all of our current military and our veterans, these deals are in no way an adequate thank you for what our active military personnel do for us each day, or the sacrifices that our veterans have made for our country in the past. These freebies and specials are just a token of these businesses thanks to those who have served and our serving our country.
From a grateful nation, we thank you for your service, today and everyday
