On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.

Long before joining the military community, Veterans Day was an important part of my childhood. Growing up in an area with a large military population, I was surrounded by service members, their families, and veterans. Honoring these heroes every Veterans Day and throughout the year was an essential part of my childhood.

Now that I’m a military spouse, the holiday carries even greater importance. I’ve learned that Veterans Day not only honors veterans, but also celebrates the connection we share as a military community. It’s an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and commemorate.

For one organization, serving the military community is a year-round mission. The Armed Service YMCA (ASYMCA) provides programs and services to ensure no military family is left behind. This Veterans Day, explore your local branch for ongoing support during these uncertain times.

Celebrating Veterans Day

Honoring our veterans through fun, yet thoughtful Veterans Day activities is a tangible way to show your support.
Here are 10 meaningful ways to celebrate Veterans Day with your family:

1. Attend a Local Veterans Day Parade or Ceremony

Veterans Day parades and ceremonies are a great way to celebrate the holiday. Not only will the kids get to see some exciting displays and vehicles, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to teach them why our communities make such a significant effort to honor our veterans. Local parades and ceremonies are usually announced through your city’s official website and on social media pages.

2. Visit a Veterans’ Memorial or Cemetery

If you’re looking for a more solemn way to celebrate this Veterans Day, visit a local military memorial or cemetery. This activity can be a reverent teaching moment for your children, honoring those who served and have passed away. Pay your respects by leaving flags or flowers, and take the time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have come before you.

3. Write Thank-You Letters For Veterans

This simple but powerful gesture makes a big impact. Whether writing letters as a family or joining a larger letter-writing campaign, this small but respectful act celebrates our nation’s heroes one letter at a time. Check with your child’s school, your local community, or the ASYMCA for current letter-writing opportunities.

4. Volunteer Through ASYMCA or Other Community Programs

Put your support into action through volunteerism. Volunteer with the ASYMCA or other community programs to offer military family support to those in need. Choose your level of involvement: volunteer for Veterans Day activities or throughout the year. It’s a great way to give back to the military community and make supportive connections.

5. Host a Family Storytelling Night

Invite veterans from your family or community to share their stories with your children in person or in writing. Storytelling is an inspiring Veterans Day activity that will keep history alive throughout generations. Challenge your children to listen actively and to reflect on the stories you’ve read.

6. Create Care Packages for Veterans or Active Duty Service Members

Pack each box with necessities, gifts, and snacks as a fun way to honor those in the military community. This can go hand-in-hand with letter writing; include the letters and notes you’ve written as a special inclusion in each care package. Send the care package to a local retirement home with veteran residents. For active-duty care packages, find a local family with a deployed service member through your community, family, friends, or social media.

7. Support a Veteran-Owned Business

From restaurants to grocery stores to anything else you might need, there’s usually a veteran-owned option for it. Find local businesses online and check their websites to see if they are veteran-owned before going to their physical locations. This is a great way to shop practically and give back.

8. Participate in a Moment of Silence or Flag-Raising Ceremony

Attending these events is a respectful and solemn way to celebrate Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices made by those who have served. You can find details on local websites or through your community’s social media page.

9. Donate to ASYMCA Programs Supporting Military Families

ASYMCA supports the military community every step of the way. Offering child care, youth resiliency programs, and food assistance, they empower military families to thrive. That support is especially crucial during the holidays, when so many are far from loved ones. Through Operation Ride Home and Operation Holiday Joy, they make the holidays brighter for military families like yours — and you can help even more families when you donate today.

10. Start a Family Tradition of Giving Back

Establish a new family tradition of honoring veterans by choosing an act of service your family can do together each year. Whether making a meal for a single service member, participating in a holiday toy drive, or volunteering with a local organization that helps veterans — soup kitchens, shelters for unhoused veterans, or retirement facilities — you are leaving a legacy of impact.

Beyond the Holiday: Honoring Veterans and Supporting the Military Community

Veterans Day activities can be meaningful, fun, and impactful for the whole family. For military families, the holiday holds an even deeper meaning — one that is important to celebrate together.

This Veterans Day and beyond, keep the memory of our veterans alive through your traditions, activities, and personal reflections. Participate in an activity listed above or create your own. Share your favorite Veterans Day activities with other military families, starting a ripple of new traditions.

The ASYMCA is proud to honor military families on Veterans Day and throughout the year. Learn how the ASYMCA can empower your family, and consider giving back to support veterans and military families.

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you, veterans and service members, for the sacrifices you have made for our freedom.

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