What Veterans Day Means To Our Seniors

One of the most special days in November for people who have served our country is approaching. Sure, Thanksgiving is likely important to some turkey fans, but Veterans Day has an especially important meaning to residents of Dubuque and elsewhere, including those receiving hospice care.

Veterans Day takes place on Nov. 11, which falls on a Friday this year. Over the years, the holiday has shifted from commemorating all those who fought in World War I to anyone who has served in or is currently serving in any capacity, in wartime or peacetime.

The team at Above and Beyond Home Health Care and Hospice are thankful for our veterans. Many of them are or have been our clients over our history. We like making sure they know they’re appreciated, whether they served decades ago or more recently.

Some of our clients proudly served with honor until retiring, others did four years or so and decided to try other things with their life.

All are remembered and appreciated this time of year since Veterans Day is considered one of the main American veteran holidays. One is Memorial Day in May, which pays tribute to fallen service members who have given their lives and paid the ultimate price. Flag Day in June is an opportunity to fly Old Glory and let your friends and neighbors know you support the country and its defenders.

Independence Day is another holiday that many veterans celebrate since it marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the first steps to breaking away from Great Britain’s control.

People fought and died in this war too, something that has continued in military activities through our 200-plus years.

Value of our veterans

Most communities try to do something special for their local veterans for Veterans Day. Some towns have put on parades or public ceremonies, perhaps in a town square or cemetery. Some restaurants may offer special dining deals for veterans on or around this day.

Many schools invite area veterans, including parents or grandparents of local youth, to come and be part of a special ceremony. This is a good way to connect younger students with older generations and make facts about wars and other military activities feel more real.

Even if there’s not a public gathering, people can still recognize veterans they know with cards, emails, or a visit. This also would be helpful for veterans receiving home health care who may have mobility problems or health conditions which can keep them from attending something in their local community.

This occasion could be an opportunity for them to share the stories of their time in the service, which could be interesting for family members, loved ones, or caregivers. You may even consider recording this to share with family as a memory of this individual, or even for members of his or her unit and their families.

Often, military organizations or military authors seek these types of personal stories, which add depth to the “just the facts” information provided in history books. Though these objective details are important, it’s also important for future scholars – and even military leaders – to hear about the human experience.

Of course, if they don’t want to share these stories in this type of setting, it’s important to respect them. Some people could still be dealing with their experiences decades later, and may not necessarily have good memories or pleasant stories to share with family.

You can, however, encourage them to privately share with counselors, therapists, or mental health providers from organizations like the Department of Veterans Affairs. Recommended providers through the VA also understand the reluctance some people may have to want to share their stories.

In many cases, when talking to the VA, they may even learn that some of their home health care and other benefits may be fully or partially provided due to their service.

This could be especially important since, as people age, damage from earlier in life can take its toll. They could sustain an injury – mental or physical – while serving in their 20s. It may not bother them then but may start to hurt them in their 60s.

Or years of service may take its toll so after 20 years they may have problems with their knees, back, joints, or other body parts, which could lead to a need for home health care.

Even if they haven’t thought much about activating or utilizing their veteran benefits, it might be a good time to do so, especially if they may help them with their current medical condition, make sure they have care, and also can help their family, loved ones or caregivers.

Salute to our veterans

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently about 18 million U.S. veterans, roughly 7 percent of the population. Part of the reason is where we are today is because of their role in protecting our freedoms domestically and internationally. So, a national holiday this day thanking them for their service and reflecting on what they’ve collectively accomplished is a fine idea.