What to Say in a Veterans Day Card: Honoring the Brave
Veterans Day is a special holiday that honors the men and women who have served our country in the military, both past and present. If you’re looking to express your gratitude and admiration to a veteran, or simply want to acknowledge the sacrifices they’ve made for our freedom, a thoughtfully written Veterans Day card is a great way to do so. But where do you start?
Contents
What to Avoid Saying
Before we dive into the positive, let’s briefly cover what to avoid saying in a Veterans Day card. Avoid clichés like "Thank you for your service" – while it’s a kind gesture, it’s been uttered countless times before. Another thing to avoid is any language that may come across as insincere or superficial. You want the veteran to feel seen and appreciated, not like an afterthought.
What to Say instead
So, what should you say to make a meaningful impact?
- Express gratitude: Let the veteran know how you feel about their sacrifices, and how their service has affected you personally. It could be something as simple as "Thank you for your bravery and selfless service. Your sacrifices mean the world to me." or "I’m eternally grateful for everything you’ve done for our country."
- Acknowledge their sacrifices: Consider mentioning specific challenges they faced, such as deployments or injuries. You could also acknowledge the emotional toll they may have experienced. A phrase like "I’m aware of the difficulties and hardships you faced during your time in service" or "I can only imagine how tough it must have been to leave loved ones behind" can go a long way in showing you genuinely care.
- Remind them of their service’s impact: Veterans didn’t just serve for self-gain; they protected our country, our friends, and our families. Acknowledge the impact they’ve had on your own life, or the impact they’ve had on communities and the world at large.
- Personalize your message: If you served alongside the veteran, attended the same school, or have a personal connection with them, highlight that relationship in your message. Saying something like "I miss the good old days back in [unit/squad/branch]" or "I’m so grateful our paths crossed during [service/school]" can personalize the message and make the veteran feel seen.
Some example messages to get you started:
- "Hello [Name], I’m writing to express my deep gratitude for your service in [branch/unit]. You’ve always been an incredible [friend/family member/community member], and it’s an honor to get to know you better on Veterans Day."
- "Sergeant [Lastname], I’m so lucky to have had you [friend/family member/close colleague] during my own time in [branch/branch]. Your leadership [example] and camaraderie [example] really made a difference in the trenches."
- "Today, I want to pause and thank you for dedicating your life to protect our country. Your strength, resilience, and spirit inspire me every day!"
Additional Touches
In addition to a personalized message, consider adding one or more of the following touches to make your message stand out:
- A handwritten note can add a personal and emotional touch to your words.
- Photos of memories you’ve shared with the veteran can go a long way in cementing the bond between the two of you.
- A small gift: Consider sending a small item related to their service (e.g., a service pin, a patch from their unit, or an American flag) to thank them for their sacrifices.
