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

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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