Six Ways to THANK A VET

How to thank a veteran

At the November meeting of Plantation Lakes Garden Club, each member talked about service members or veterans in their own lives.. We found that every member had a relative or someone in their sphere of influence who had served our country. This activity helped to make it personal for us as we made patriotic-themed floral arrangements for veterans at the Delaware Hospital for Veterans and Atlantic Shores Rehab and Health Center in Millsboro.

Is there a veteran in your family, or do you know a veteran? Here are six ways that you can show your appreciation to them for their service.

1. SHOW UP FOR A LOCAL EVENT

Participate in a Quilts of Valor workshop. They take place in Plantation Lakes about three times a year. Or support the Plantation Lakes Garden Club's efforts to bring a Blue Star Memorial to Millsboro.

2. RECOGNIZE A VETERAN

If you know a veteran, send a simple postcard or email that recognizes him or her for their service. Or just say "Thank you for your service!" when you see them..

3. VISIT A VA HOSPITAL

Did you know that the Delaware Hospital for Veterans is not far from Plantation Lakes? It's a beautiful facility located north of here in Milford. Or visit veterans at the nearby Atlantic Shores Rehab and Health Center in Millsboro... the last time PLGC members visited, 28 veterans were patients there.

4. FLY A FLAG

Show your support for current service members and veterans alike by displaying an American Flag in front of your home.

5. DONATE

There are many wonderful organizations that offer support to current service members and veterans. If you don't already support a veteran's organization, check out Operation Give online. Or you could write a tax-deductible check in any amount to PLGC to help bring a Blue Star Memorial to Millsboro.

6. ASK ABOUT THEM

When you discover that a neighbor is a service member or veteran, ask which branch of the service, or where did they serve, or how long they served. Some veterans prefer not to talk about their experience, but many love to do so. At the Magnolia-Surrey block party last summer, several veterans were overheard talking with each other about their military service.

If you know of a local activity that supports veterans, please write a comment to this blog post to share the information with the Plantation Lakes Garden Club and your neighbors.