Page 35 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Fall 2019- Online Magazine
P. 35

HONORING SENIORS



          Ways to Honor




           Veterans, Soldiers and First Responders




            Amarillo Senior Link is committed to honoring veterans and everyone who serves or has served our country or
            our community. We hope the following ideas inspire you and your family to show respect to those in our city
            and area towns who have put their lives on the line for us.


                Senior Care facilities always welcome visits
                from families or individuals. Children are
                especially good at eliciting smiles.

                Teach your children to recognize active
                military, first responders, and veterans (by
                their uniforms or other apparel), and that
                it is appropriate to thank them.  You will
                be establishing the art of appreciation and
                acknowledgement of another’s sacrifices.  Teach
                them to say thank you in sign language.

                Record their stories - either by writing, or video
                recording.   The capture of a personality, the
                documentation of events and the journal of
                someone’s life history will become treasures to
                family, friends, and even future generations.

                Donate to veteran charities. Utilize fundraisers
                such as the annual “Lemonade Day” or other
                activities. Volunteer with veteran support
                organizations.                                                          “With Honor” Art by Sam Ayers

                Fly the flag! Offer to help aging veterans display   Volunteer to visit a home-bound veteran.
                their flags if they need assistance. When a veteran   A one-time social call will be appreciated,
                dies, lower flags to half-staff to show honor and    but ongoing visits could give an elderly
                respect.                                             veteran something to look forward to.
                                                                     Consider volunteering for a hospice or other
                Buy a cup of coffee or a meal for someone who        organization that can provide you with
                has served or is serving our country or our          adequate training.
                community. Thank them in person or ask the wait
                staff to pass on your token of appreciation.         Deliver baked goods and thank you notes to
                                                                     your local fire department, ambulance station
                Be present to send soldiers off or welcome veterans   or to a police officer you know.
                home at the airport.
                                                                     Interview a veteran, write his/her story, and
                Specifically, Vietnam veterans appreciate hearing    submit it to Amarillo Senior Link magazine
                the words “Welcome Home”.                            during the summer for the annual fall veteran’s
                                                                     issue.
                Pray for them. Often there are struggles that we
                can’t see, but we can ask God to intervene on their
                behalf. Psalm 91 is called “The Soldier’s Psalm.”




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