"In order to ensure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose."

-- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Veterans Day is a well known holiday that allows Americans to celebrate and honor all of the brave men and women who have served in the military during wartime and peacetime.

Although we may never fully be able to repay all those heroes, there are plenty of large and small gestures you can take to thank a veteran and to perform an act of kindness. Here are 4 thoughtful ways to honor Veteran’s Day and all those that serve our country.

“Adopt” a Military Family This Holiday Season

One impactful way to show your gratitude just in time for the holiday season by participating in a program that allows you to sponsor a military family like, Operation Christmas Spirit. These families may have limited resources or might have a parent who is currently deployed. If you volunteer to sponsor a military family, you might be asked to provide gifts for children and send gift cards and other resources to help them cook a holiday meal. This gesture might not seem large to you, but it makes all the difference to these families.

Donate to a Veterans’ Charity

If you’d like to help out but don’t have the time to volunteer, you can always make a donation to a reputable organization that represents veterans. Today, there are thousands of charities dedicated to assisting U.S. veterans! Too many to choose from? Consider donating to a charity that helps out veterans in your area, or offer funding to organizations that provide support on a nationwide level. Every little bit helps!

Wear a Poppy

Many veterans wear hats, pins, or uniforms to share their pride in their service, however, if you are not a veteran but want to support the veterans in your community, you can wear a red poppy to show your gratitude for these service members. Why a red poppy? The flower comes from the famous World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” in which the red flowers were the first to bloom in the fields after battles in France and Belgium.

Send a Gift to a Veteran

Another way to show your gratitude to a veteran you know is by sending them a thoughtful present. Some good ideas might be a military flag in a display case, a U.S. flag, or even a nice selection of Veteran’s Day flowers that bring color and life to any home.