Francesca "Frankie" Bill
2021-2022 National Americanism Ambassador & Patriotic Instructor
Honoring Veterans and Service Members on Veterans Day and for Military Family Appreciation Month
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”
This quote was spoken by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 when he proclaimed Armistice Day (now known as Veterans Day) on the anniversary of the end of World War I. The month of November is a time of reflection for our nation and shines a light on our military heroes and their families. Now more than ever, we need to live out the tenants of the Americanism Program: Patriotic Unity, Community Connection and the Red, White and Blue.
Military Family Appreciation Month
November is Military Family Appreciation month and is reserved for recognizing unique challenges and sacrifices made by family members of those who served in our nation’s military. Following are a few ways to increase awareness and offer support to the military community:
- Visit war memorials with your family to teach children the value of service.
- Create a spouse or service member Care Package to help ease deployment stress.
- Donate a Thanksgiving gift to junior-enlisted members and their families through the USO Metro’s – Turkeys for Troops.
- Adopt-a-Soldier for the Holidays.
- Contact the American Red Cross and learn how you can help save others.
- Volunteer at a local chapter of a fellow Veterans Service Organization (VSO):
- Donate or organize a fundraising event for the annual Toys for Tots
- Thank a military person in uniform with a free coffee or drink if they are in line near you.
Veterans Day is Thursday, November 11. As an Auxiliary, partner with your community, schools and families to honor the men and women who have served. Below are several ideas:
- Fly the United States Flag – demonstrates an act of patriotism and an act of love.
- Host a War Film Movie Event – serves as an educational tool for all ages.
- Saving Private Ryan: This movie is based on a true story about the search for the last surviving brother of five siblings after four were killed in action during WWII.
- Hacksaw Ridge: This movie is based on the true story of an army medic who refused to carry a gun but saved dozens of lives anyway and was later awarded a Medal of Honor for his efforts.
- The Patriot: This is a movie not based on a true story about the American Revolution.
- We Were Soldiers: This is another fictional story, however, it shows a particular battle in Vietnam that turned the tide of war.
- To End All Wars: This movie is about World War I, a time when America was still trying to stay out of European wars but eventually got involved after Germany sank merchant ships right outside U.S. borders.
- Wear a “Buddy”® Poppy to symbolize what this holiday stands for.
- Attend a Parade or Virtual Event to honor veterans who fought for our freedom.
- Participate in a Blood Drive to help save lives, including our servicemen and women.
- Write a Thank You Letter to show our gratitude towards those who served.
- Volunteer to give back to those who put themselves in danger.
- Collect grocery items for a local food pantry.
- Donate clothing for veterans and their families.
- Help at a local community kitchen or serve a meal at a VFW or Auxiliary location.
- Care for neighbor children while a military parent(s) run errands.
- Visit a veteran receiving care in a VA Hospital or Veterans Home.
In a 1983 radio address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan stated: “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.”