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Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away, as we continue with our “21 Days of Gratitude” – an opportunity to “give thanks” for something or someone every day leading up to turkey day.

Today is Veteran’s Day – a day to thank and express gratitude to the men and women who faithfully and sacrificially served our country in the military. 

Interestingly enough, I saw a study today that about half of Vets feel uncomfortable when someone says, “Thank you for your service” to them. As one man said, “I don’t know what to say back.”

Now, not every Veteran feels that way and the answer isn’t to not say anything or not express our thanks.

It was suggested that beyond saying “Thank for your service,” you take the opportunity to show a Veteran your gratitude.  Maybe it’s buying them a meal or doing something nice for them. But what many expressed was that it was especially meaningful when people genuinely took the opportunity to connect with them on a personal level.  Get to know them … ask them how they are doing.

Not a bad idea in general – not just say thank you, but to show it with our time and care. 

So our challenge today is to not express our gratitude to Veterans with not just our words, but with our time and actions.

 

Photo Credit: Getty Images/hasan kurt