Veterans Day is the day we honor those who have bravely served our country.
Your community may have a recognition planned, most likely virtually, so, as they say, check your local listings. But here are a few other virtual options:
- The Veterans Administration has joined with musical stars for a virtual Concert for Veterans with a special focus on hospitalized veterans. The concert has quite a lineup: Brad Paisley, Terri Clark, Leon Bridges, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Charles Esten, Jimmie Allen, Scotty McCreery, Walker County, Alexis Wilkins, and others.
- The VA also has a list of live-streaming events, including events at the World War II and Vietnam Wall memorials. Remember that this list gives Eastern Standard times.
- Closer to home, though the in-person events in Denver are canceled, you can still participate in a virtual 5k or 10k.
- Over in Boulder, the Boulder Star will be lit. You can live stream from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
Want to do something in person?
- The City of Westminster has an Armed Forces Tribute Garden. In Fort Collins, its memorial is in Edora Park. The Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado also is in Fort Collins. In Brighton, the Veterans Memorial is in Elmwood Cemetery.
- Many restaurants along the Front Range will offer free meals or other deals to veterans, as will other businesses. Here’s another one where it’s best to check your local listings.
Events are a great way to join others in your community on this important day, but there are lots of ways you can show your appreciation of our country’s veterans—and not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. Here are some things you can do to honor veterans:
Donate to/Volunteer at Your VA Hospital
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Voluntary Service program connects caring volunteers and donors with opportunities to help our country’s veteran patients. Denver has the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. Learn more about how to get involved.
Fly the Flag
There’s never a bad time to display your American flag, but Veterans Day and other national holidays are especially appropriate. Review these guidelines for hanging a U.S. flag—the Department of Veterans Affairs says tradition is to display the flag from sunrise to sunset unless it is illuminated at night.
Wear Red, White, and Blue
On military holidays and days of observance, wear red, white, and blue or an American flag pin on your shirt to stand with our nation’s military members. Other patriotic holidays include Memorial Day, Armed Forces Week, and Presidents’ Day.
Get a Haircut (and Support Veterans)
Sport Clips’ Help a Hero campaign raises money for scholarships for service members and veterans. One dollar from every haircut will be donated to the program. And if you’re a veteran or active-duty military member, you get a free haircut on Veterans Day.
Express Your Thanks
Perhaps one of the most meaningful and simple ways you can make a difference on Veterans Day is to say thank you to any veterans you know—and even those you don’t. The Department of Veterans Affairs encourages veterans to express their patriotism on Veterans Day by wearing the medals they earned during their service. If you notice a decorated veteran while out and about, let them know how much their service means to you.
Thank you to the veterans who work at FRCC and to the students who have come to our college in pursuit of a new career after they have served. Today and every day, we salute and appreciate you!
