Page 124 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2018- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

Ways to Honor Veterans, Soldiers

and First Responders

Lubbock Senior Link Magazine partnered with
Hospice of Lubbock and Calvert Home Health on
June 14th to bring Flag Day activities to Brookdale
Remington Park. Residents and visitors shared
markers and craft supplies to color pages to hang
on their doors. Ice cream floats were enjoyed by all.

Following are some ideas you and your family
might consider to show respect to those in our city
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.

Fly the flag! Offer to help aging veterans display their flags if they need
assistance. When a veteran dies, lower flags to half-staff to show honor and
respect.

Buy a cup of coffee or a meal for someone who has served or is serving our
country or our community. Thank them in person, or ask the wait staff to pass
on your token of appreciation.
Be present to send soldiers off or welcome veterans home at the airport.

Vietnam veterans especially appreciate hearing the words “Welcome Home”.

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.”

Volunteer to visit a home-bound veteran. A one-time social call will be
appreciated, but ongoing visits could give an elderly veteran something to
look forward to. Consider volunteering for a hospice or other organization
that can provide you with adequate training.

Deliver baked goods and thank you notes to your local fire department,
ambulance station or to a police officer you know.

Interview a veteran, write his/her story, and submit it to Lubbock Senior Link
Magazine during the summer for the annual fall veteran’s issue.

124 Lubbock Senior Link