Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11, and the nation will honor those who bravely served our country.
It’s likely your community has a recognition planned, so, as they say, check your local listings. And know that some events may not be on Veterans Day itself. Here at FRCC:
- The Larimer Campus has a flag-raising ceremony at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, with an ROTC detachment from Colorado State University performing the ceremony. Afterward, there is a free community pancake breakfast with an honor table set by the campus Veterans Club. The new Veterans Center opens at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in Modular 3 in Blanca Peak Courtyard. A display set up on the Quad invites passers-by to engage with the issues of veteran suicide when compared to those killed in military actions.
- The Boulder County Campus plans a 12:30 p.m. luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 9, to honor veterans, followed at 1:30 p.m. by a panel discussion about moving from military to civilian life.
- The Westminster Campus Veterans Club will have a barbecue lunch served in the Snowy Peaks room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10.
Elsewhere, the Colorado Veterans Project has a fun-filled schedule of events planned this weekend in Denver:
- Veterans Day Parade – Saturday, 12, 10 a.m. The parade starts at Colfax and Bannock in downtown Denver. After the parade is a free festival in Civic Center Park, which will have live music, fun activities for kids and families, and food.
- Veterans Day Run – Sunday, Nov. 13, 8 a.m. The 5K and 10K fun runs are open to runners, walkers, kids, and dogs!
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 seven things you can do to honor veterans:
Volunteer at your local VA hospital.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Voluntary Service program connects caring volunteers 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.
Hang your 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 President’s Day.
Visit a nursing home.
Older veterans living in nursing homes might enjoy the company of a patriotic visitor who simply wants to say thank you and listen to their stories about serving our country. Perhaps your local nursing home has a few events going on at which you’d be welcome.
Get a haircut (and support veterans).
Sport Clips’ Help a Hero campaign, which raises money for scholarships for service members and veterans, ends today. 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.
Attend school events.
If you have elementary-age children or grandchildren, check with their school on whether it plans a Veterans Day assembly or another program. Many schools invite family members who have served to attend, so this can be a meaningful way to spend time with your child and thank the military members and veterans in your community.
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!
