Sarah Gillespie

As Michael Mann comes closer to the end of his service, he says goodbye to his family before flying overseas for the next few months. “If you know someone who served, the best thing to do to show your appreciation is to make time for them,” Mann said. Mann is a full time United States Army Soldier, but more importantly, a full time brother and uncle.

Veterans day, a day specifically dedicated to honoring all those who have served. However, expressing gratification for veterans and active service members is becoming less and less common. 

A lack of knowledge on how to appreciate veterans has caused a decline in the amount of recognition veterans receive. “A general appreciation of the military in the current culture has diminished, I do feel that it has taken some toll on veterans and service members,” said former United States Marine Corps Corporal Myk Runyan. 

It can be hard to reflect feelings of appreciation towards soldiers. An easy way to participate is by showing up for locally held events. Simply being at “city-held parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, are ways you can show your gratitude in person,” according to the Wounded Warriors Project. 

If the opportunity to express your gratitude is not presented in person, try taking time out of your day to get involved in town events. Another way to express respect for the soldiers who sacrificed for you is by taking care of your community by protecting the country they fought for. Local veteran Runyan agrees. “The best way for kids to show appreciation is to live and act in a respectful way. Respect the land and the country,” he said.

Not only do veterans and active service members make sacrifices, but their families also have to make sacrifices as well. Having a loved one stationed away from home can be a difficult challenge to go through alone. One easy way to support a family dealing with this is to “take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed,” as stated in the Wounded Warrior Project. 

“When I was younger I remember feeling proud of my dad but nervous for him when I saw the toll it took on my grandma every time we had to say goodbye,” said Damien Wargo, son of a former United States Air Force Crew Chief.

Feelings of uncertainty lead to being scared which can affect the families of stationed loved ones. By helping them, you are helping the soldiers who are away from home focus on their jobs and worry less about the ones they had to leave behind.

Different jobs in the military decide which soldiers have to witness first-hand combat and which soldiers are able to help in other crucial ways from the sidelines. Due to this, some veterans can feel slightly uncomfortable when being thanked for their service. Some feel, “insecurity, self-doubt and ultimately silence out of fear they can’t measure up to others’ unrealistic expectations,” as mentioned in the Courier Journal.

“It leaves you feeling strange at times, I feel as though I haven’t done anything that deserves special treatment. I know it can be hard for service members to accept they’ve done enough,” said a local current United States Army Soldier. No matter how much or how little veterans do during their service, they still have made sacrifices and ultimately made the selfless decision to protect the freedom of their country. 

The lack of gratitude shown to veterans has come mostly from today’s upcoming generation. Expressing thankfulness is becoming less prominent because kids are not being informed on the right and respectful ways to thank a veteran. Service members are not given enough support which has increasingly negative effects on them.

Recently, young adults described their beliefs that “simply asking a veteran if, where or why they served will automatically trigger a flashback or otherwise cause harm,” as reported by the Courier Journal. According to United States Army Soldier Michael Mann, the number of mental struggles military personnel face when they return from their service is “unacceptable to a population that made sacrifices for this country.” Even though some veterans may not feel their duty is as significant as others it’s still important to make them aware that they are appreciated in their community and to give them the support they need to transition back into a civilian lifestyle. 

These heroes are everywhere: at work, school, out shopping or even at home. 

You might see them wearing an item of clothing stating their rank, branch or area of deployment. You might notice an indication on their driver’s license or plate.

Next time you meet a veteran or see an active service member dressed in uniform, keep in mind the sacrifices they’ve made. Respecting your country and community or even a simple thank you can mean so much more than some might think.