The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
From enjoying a national park to spending the afternoon with a veteran, there are many way to acknowledge their service and sacrifice.
During Veterans Day weekend we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate our veterans and the Nation they courageously serve. From enjoying a national park to spending the afternoon with a veteran, there are many way to acknowledge their service and sacrifice. Here are our top five ways to commemorate Veterans Day.
1. Find a Vets Day Community Celebration Near You
Communities across the U.S. will be celebrating Veterans Day through ceremonies, celebrations, and activities. These events are great for the entire family, and are an excellent opportunity to commemorate and learn more about the service of our veterans. Use this map to locate a Veterans Day activity near you.
President Barack Obama participates in a Memorial Day wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., May 27, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
2. Take Part in a Service Opportunity Near You
Completing community service in honor of our veterans and their families is a great way to show your support and appreciation. There are many ways to show your appreciation; you can send a message of thanks, pledge to complete community service in their honor, or start a volunteer project.
The First Lady and Dr. Biden paint a wall in the home of Sgt. Johnny Agbi, Jr., left, in Washington, D.C., Oct. 17, 2011.
3. Get Outdoors and Explore!
Invite a veteran or a military family to explore a national park or our public lands. Admission is free for all visitors this weekend in honor of Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional wellbeing, and of course, is fun! Learn more about this opportunity by clicking here.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have a chance encounter with other hikers while walking along a trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville, N.C., April 23, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
4. Explore our Nation’s Capital
lf you’re in Washington, DC this weekend, visit the National Archives Museum to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights that are the foundation of the Nation that our veterans serve and protect. Visit some of the beautiful memorials or Arlington National Cemetery to pay homage to our veterans and learn more about the history of how and why they served.
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton walk past the statue of President Lincoln to participate in the ceremony on the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. August 28, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
5. Visit a Library
Use the library to read about the importance of military service and what our veterans have done for our country. You can also read personal accounts of American war veterans through the Veteran’s History Project.
President Barack Obama stands with former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Jimmy Carter, at the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas, Tex., April 25, 2013. Former First Ladies Laura Bush, left, and Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, are also pictured. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
