Staten Island is a very patriotic place, as substantiated by the number of memorials dotting the island. Among these are parks, highways, and boulevards honoring those who have served in our military. Several of our high schools recognize their military alumni with memorials of their own, as well.
Veterans Memorial Hall at Snug Harbor; WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink at Clove Lakes Park; Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park in West Brighton; Great Kills Veterans Memorial; and Father Capodanno Boulevard are all nods to the brave men and women who have defended the liberties and freedoms of our country. They hold a special place in our hearts and an eternal spot in their country’s history.
>>> Military veterans can enjoy discounts at local businesses offering discounts. Share with the vet in your life!
Any opportunity is a good time to commemorate the bravery and selfless deeds of military personnel but November 11th is designated especially as a time to thank veterans for their service, as the day commemorates the anniversary of the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
The following are just a handful of ways to show appreciation for military men and women.
- When dining out, ask your server if you can pay the tab for a soldier or veteran you see in the restaurant.
- Attend a military parade with your family and explain the significance of the day to your children.
- Draft letters and send care packages to soldiers currently in service far away from home.
- Ask your company if Veterans Day can be an observed holiday at your place of business each year to pay homage to servicemen and women.
- Support a military family in your town who may be missing a loved one stationed elsewhere. Make meals, help with chores such as grocery shopping, or simply provide emotional support.
- Volunteer time at a veterans’ hospital. You may be able to read with veterans or engage in other activities.
- Get involved with a military support charity that can provide much-needed funds to struggling families or disabled veterans.
- Have children speak with veterans you know– in your family or with friends. It can help them gain perspective on the important roles the military plays.
- Ask a veteran to give a speech at a school or to be the guest of honor at a special function.
- Drive disabled veterans to doctors’ appointments or to run any errands.
- Support a local VFW organization.
- Create a scrapbook for a veteran in your life.
- Cheer for or thank military personnel each time you see them.
- Visit the veterans’ portion of a nearby cemetery and place poppies or other flowers on the graves.
- Always keep the military on your mind and never forget those who have served and didn’t return home.
- Visit a military memorial near you.
>>> Read Staten Island Parent Editor Jeannine Cintron’s story of having her first child during her husband’s deployment and why it’s so important to thank veterans for their sacrifices and service.
>>> See some special tributes to veterans from Staten Island, contributed by their proud family members.
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