This post brought to you by DAV. The content and opinions expressed below are that of this mama loves.
22 Million. That’s a REALLY big number. Every day I think we need to be thankful for our nation’s 22 million veterans, but with Veterans Day in just a couple of days I’m reminded just how important thanking a vet is. Veterans are all around us. They are our neighbors, our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They are our friends. They are woven into the fabric of our nation.
For me the term veteran means something very different than it does for many I know. My world has been greatly impacted by a veteran, by many actually. My father is a veteran, as was my father-in-law; my nephews and brother-in-law are veterans too. While all these veterans are important to me, I never really understood what being a veteran meant until I married one. Honestly, I still can’t fully understand. Not only did I marry a veteran, I gained a family when I did. You see, all the men and women my husband served with are family too. Today I’m saying thanks to my entire military family for all they have given and for the bond they share with my husband. 
This Veterans Day DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is making it easy to thank veterans with DAV’s Thank A Vet tool. This program lets you create a personalized video for your loved one, honoring a veteran in your life. Learn more about DAV to make your own video and view other videos thanking veterans. The DAV is the only nonprofit that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations, each year helping more than 1 million veterans in positive ways. They help them access benefits they earned, like healthcare and disability. They also help connect them to meaningful employment opportunities. Check out some other Thank A Vet videos.
How will you Thank a Vet this Veteran’s Day? If you create your own video, consider sharing it on social media using #ThankAVet.
jared's mum says
it really is a must that we give thanks to all who sacrificed in the name of freedom. A visit to a vet + telling them how much we thank them for their efforts will be a great way to thank them for all they’ve done.
Sarh S says
I wish more people would help support our troops, especially those who have made it back home, who have retired or been discharged. My fiancee, father-in-law, grandfather, several cousins and many more friends are vets or currently serving. My fiancee was homeless when he got out, not once, but two times. Keep veterans in mind next time you see that “panhandler” who you think just wants money for alcohol, not saying they are all vets, but there are many homeless vets.
CourtneyLynne says
Both my grandpas on both sides of my family served in the military. Only respect and thanks to all those who have served from me 🙂
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
We have a few extra special Vets in our life. My father in law is a Vietnam Vet and he received a purple heart. We celebrate him all the time but a little more on Veteran’s Day.
Shanéy Maharaj says
They sacrifice sooo much for their country and people. They definitely needed to be reminded daily how important they are and how much we appreciate them.
JanetGoingCrazy says
This sounds like a great initiative. I have a lot of vets in my family that I am thankful for.
Claudia Krusch says
This is such a great idea! It is always important to thank our vets!
alexandria says
My husband is a vet… currently a recruiter for the SC National Guard. Veterans Day always gives him mixed emotions. It shouldnt be one day where they are recognized. And there are vets out there who need way more than a free Starbucks coffee.
Ann BAcciaglia says
It is so important to thank our military veterans. They gave up so much of their lives to protect us.
Chubskulit Rose says
Thank you for their services! Men and women in uniform sacrifice a lot to protect our countey and us.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
What a great initiative. We have plenty to thank our vets for.
Ourfamilyworld says
It’s important to always recognize what the vets did for us. I hope we won’t only do this on Veteran’s Day.
Melissa says
I love the reminder to thank a vet. It’s always good to remember to be grateful for the things that come so easily to us but others fight to make sure we have.
rika says
It’s very important. They give their lives to the country and protect us. So thankful for their service
lisa says
This is such a great idea. It is always important to thank our vets, and not just on Veterans Day.
Bonnie @wemake7 says
I think being able to make videos to send to Vets is a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing.
Miles L. says
This is a wonderful initiative to thank the veterans for all the sacrifices they’ve done. For all the veterans out there, thank you!
Liz Mays says
This is super important. I love their thank a vet tool. It’s always a good idea to give thanks to a vet you know.
Tonya C says
As a new Navy Mom I have an even greater respect of our military families sacrifices. This is a great initiative!
Jeanette says
Our service men are the reason we get to enjoy what we do. For Christmas we are going to make some cookies for our neighbors who both serve. My dad is a Veteran also I can’t wait to see him this christmas.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am married to a vet, so he gets my thanks every day. I could never, so I am thankful for the people who can and do.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I think what our service men and women do is beyond important. They sacrifice so much for us, we always need to remember to thank them for their service.