CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — A major portion of the North American population is comprised of people who are actively serving in the Armed Forces or those who once did. USAFacts reports the military included 2,079,142 military personnel and 778,539 civilians as of September 2023. In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated there were 15.8 million veterans in the U.S. In Canada, the 2021 Census of Population found that 97,625 Canadians were serving in the Canadian Armed Forces while 461,240 Canadians were characterized as veterans.

Military men and women work tirelessly and selflessly to defend their countries’ ideals and freedoms. Too often military members do not get the attention and acclaim they deserve. The month of May, which celebrates Military Appreciation Month as well as Memorial Day, is a perfect time of year to honor those who have served in various ways.

• Improve the community. Veterans want the communities they call home to be the best they can be, and that can be achieved by community members pitching in to improve their towns and cities. Doing something honorable, like establishing a park in honor of veterans, can be a great way to improve a community and honor service personnel at the same time.
• Support veteran-friendly policies. By supporting policies and organizations that prioritize veterans’ rights, individuals are showing veterans they care. Policies that ensure veterans have access to services they need warrant everyone’s support.
• Donate to a nonprofit that supports veterans. Many charities do important work to bridge the gap in care or services needed by veterans or active military members. Using hard-earned dollars to fund these nonprofits is money well spent.
• Ask a veteran to be a keynote speaker. Schools or businesses can ask military members to come in and speak to groups about their experiences. Newspapers and other local publications can write about veterans and share their stories.
• Pay respects to the country. A simple way to honor veterans is to embrace and showcase national pride. Flying the country’s flag in front of homes and businesses is a first step. Attending patriotic events, such as parades and memorials, also is a way to honor veterans and others.
• Keep cemeteries clean. Respect the hallowed land that is the final resting place for veterans by volunteering to tidy up around headstones and other markers. On key calendar dates, such as Memorial Day, help with the placement of flags on every veteran’s grave as a token of thanks for their sacrifice.
• Volunteer at a VA hospital. Now more than ever VA hospitals may be short-staffed and have need of more volunteers to help with various services. Volunteer work can include visiting patients or running recreational activities, both of which can boost the spirits of veterans receiving care.

Honoring veterans and other military personnel doesn’t have to be difficult. Beyond a simple “thank you,” there are many steps people can take to show their gratitude to active military personnel and veterans.