Jun 4, 2025

Veteran Memorials

Honoring Veterans: Traditions and Practices

Veterans have served their country with dedication and bravery. Honoring them is a tradition that brings communities together and reminds us of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

Traditional Ways to Honor Veterans

• Attending parades and ceremonies
• Visiting memorials and cemeteries
• Flying the national flag
• Writing thank-you notes or letters
• Donating to veterans’ organizations

What are some ways we honor veterans?

Communities across the country participate in various activities to honor veterans. These include attending parades, visiting memorials, and participating in moments of silence. Many people also volunteer at veterans’ hospitals or support organizations that help veterans transition back to civilian life.

Honoring Veterans Who Have Passed Away

Many families and communities pay tribute to veterans who have died by visiting their graves, placing flags or flowers, and participating in remembrance ceremonies. Memorial Day is a significant occasion for such acts of remembrance.

How to honor a veteran that passed away?

To honor a veteran who has passed away, people often visit their gravesite, lay wreaths or flowers, and participate in memorial services. Some choose to share stories about the veteran’s life and service, ensuring their legacy is remembered by future generations.

Memorials and Headstones

Veterans are often buried in national or state cemeteries, where their service is recognized with special markers or headstones. These sites are maintained as places of reflection and gratitude.

Does the VA pay for veteran headstones?

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides headstones or markers for eligible veterans at no cost. These can be requested for placement in national, state, or private cemeteries, ensuring that the service of veterans is permanently recognized.

Appropriate Greetings and Messages

When speaking with veterans, especially on holidays like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, it’s important to be mindful of the occasion and the individual’s experiences.

What can I say instead of Happy Memorial Day to a veteran?

Instead of saying “Happy Memorial Day,” consider expressing gratitude by saying, “Thank you for your service,” or “We remember and honor those who have served.” Memorial Day is a solemn occasion, so messages of remembrance and appreciation are more appropriate.

Veteran Memorials