North Country Health Nuggets
North Country Health Nuggets
Veterans Day is a special time each year when we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Celebrated every November 11, this federal holiday reminds us to show gratitude for their courage, commitment, and sacrifices.
This year marks the 71st Veterans Day, first recognized by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. It’s a day “to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide range of programs and services for veterans and their families including care for mental and physical health. You can find your local VA location by searching online for veterans’ affairs locations. If you need a little help navigating the site or figuring out what benefits you may be eligible for, your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a great resource. You can reach them by calling your county courthouse and asking for their office. They’ll help you learn about the services available and how to access the ones that could best support you — benefits you’ve earned through your service to our country.
If you get the chance, take some time to connect with your local military community this Veterans Day. Even if you don’t live near a base, many towns hold ceremonies or community events to recognize and thank veterans.
Here are a few simple but meaningful ways to celebrate:
- Stop by your local American Legion or VFW post to shake hands with a veteran and thank them for their service.
- Support a cause that helps veterans, like Operation Gratitude, which sends care packages to troops, wounded heroes, and veterans. Your VSO can help you get involved.
- Have a family conversation about what it means to be a veteran and why we celebrate this day.
- If you know a veteran, invite them to share their story with your family or community group.
- Many restaurants offer free meals to veterans on November 11 — consider taking a veteran out to enjoy one together.
Veterans Day is about more than a day off. It’s about taking time to say thank you to those who have given so much for our freedom. Whether it’s a handshake, a conversation, or a simple act of kindness, every gesture of appreciation makes a difference.
Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services