Honoring Our Heroes This Veterans Day
As we head into observing Veterans Day, we pause to remember and give thanks to all who have served our country, and to reflect on how we can support the dedicated individuals who protect and defend our freedoms.
Why Veterans Day Matters
Originating as Armistice Day in 1919, Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the end of World War I and has grown into a day dedicated to honoring the service of all U.S. military veterans. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made, the long hours, time away from family, emotional and physical tolls, all so we might live in a free and safe society.
Support Beyond the Uniform
At Invest in Others, we believe supporting veterans goes beyond the day of recognition. It means backing organizations that help veterans thrive in every stage of life, physically, mentally, personally, professionally.
One such organization is Cost of Freedom, Inc., which was a recipient of our 2023 Grants for Good program receiving $20,000 to expand their “Female Veteran Appreciation” programs.
Their work is especially meaningful: female veterans often face unique challenges, from hurdles obtaining employment to access to childcare, the risk of untreated PTSD or other service-related disabilities, and particular concerns when they are expectant mothers or new parents. Cost of Freedom’s initiative supports these women with group baby showers in partnership with VA Women’s Health at sites in Northport NY, Cincinnati OH, West Haven CT, and Fort Worth TX. These gatherings provide infant supplies, gift cards, community connection, and help build ongoing relationships with the VA for continued check-in care.
What This Means for Invest in Others and You
- Partnership in action: By granting funds to Cost of Freedom, we strengthen the link between veterans and their communities, ensuring the gratitude we feel on Veterans Day translates into tangible support.
- Elevating underserved groups: Female veterans are often under-recognized. By focusing on their specific needs, we can all help broaden how we define “service member support.”
- Call to community: It’s not only the veterans’ job to reintegrate or find support, but all of ours. Veterans Day is the perfect time for each of us to consider: How am I honoring our veterans in my daily life? How am I supporting their transition, health, and inclusion?
Three Ways You Can Help
- Reach out: Know a veteran? Say thank-you. Better yet, ask how you can help. Sometimes a conversation is the bridge to connection.
- Support organizations: Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, groups like Cost of Freedom benefit when the broader community shows up.
- Promote wellness: Encourage veterans in your life to access care, join peer-support networks, and stay connected to community resources. The work doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off.
This Veterans Day, let’s honor our heroes not just with flags and thanks, but with action. Let’s respect their service by committing to tangible support, in health, in community, in opportunity.
At Invest in Others, we’re proud to recognize and support organizations like Cost of Freedom. Together, we can make sure veterans feel seen, supported, and valued, not just for a day, but for a lifetime.
Thank you to every veteran, and to every person who supports them.
