Think of veterans and the image that may come to mind is retired soldiers marching in a parade or speaking at special events but the reality is that most Americans have at least one veteran in the family circle or as a close friend. When gift-giving occasions arrive, it might be difficult to think of gift ideas for veterans but there are many great gifts for veterans of all ages. It’s important to keep in mind that veterans today are both men and women who have served their nation in both wartime and peace time. Veterans range in age from the aging veterans of World War II to those who served in Korea and Vietnam. Veterans today include the men and women who served in the first Gulf War and those who serve in Iraq today.
Veterans are often among the most patriotic members of the American population. Patriotism provides an excellent inspiration for gift ideas that reflect their pride in their country.
An American flag would always be a welcome gift. Invest in a flagpole and a flag to fly proudly over a veteran’s home or business. If he or she already flies Old Glory, consider replacing a worn, faded, or tattered flag with a new one. Car flags are popular accessories and offer a way to display American pride on the move.
Flag lapel pins are another gift option for the veteran. Designs are available for both men and women. Styles range from inexpensive pins to flag pins fashioned from gold and silver. Ties with an American flag motif are another possibility.
All branches of the service (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines) offer many items that are emblazoned with the emblems of a particular service. Caps, T-shirts, jackets, blankets, throws, and other items are available in many places with military designs. Some are even available that commemorates a specific unit or division. Look for items that salute Navy SEALS, Army infantry, Air Force pilots, or Marines. Outlets for these items can be found online with any search engine, on military installations, in military surplus stores, military museums, and in many gift shops.
Books or videos that tell the story of a conflict such as World War II or Vietnam are another item that may appeal to veterans. Many books are now available on World War II topics that include the Navajo code talkers, D-Day, and almost every facet of the conflict. Several definitive histories of the Second World War can be found in most bookstores. Documentaries that detail historic events and movies based on real-life war events are also widely available.
Most veterans, especially those who served during a time of war, have precious photographs from their time of service. A very thoughtful gift would be to have some of these special photos reproduced and frame in an appropriate manner. A vintage or nostalgic type frame might suit older pictures while frames with a Stars and Stripes motif might showcase any military pictures.
Take preserving the memorabilia one step further and combine photos, medals, and other items into a shadow box display that preserves someone’s service record.
Some bookshops and other outlets offer special journals for veterans to record their memories. Many even provide a space for photographs.
Help Dad, Grandma, or Aunt Jenny re-connect with old service friends. Plan a surprise reunion or pay the way so that a special veteran can visit old friends.
Many cities and towns across America have service memorials that commemorate military service. Consider having a loved one’s name added as a special gift. Some cities and organizations often sell commemorative bricks that will be set into a sidewalk or building. Have one inscribed with a veteran’s name and years of service as a lasting salute.
Some veterans prefer gifts that help their former comrades in arms. Make a donation to a veteran’s hospital or organization in a veteran’s name.
If possible, take that favorite veteran on a trip to return to a former post. Many veterans enjoy returning to a place where they were once stationed. Check before planning a trip to see if the fort or base is open to the public. Public places like the USS Alabama memorial in Mobile are a great place to take a veteran on an outing or overnight trip. At Crowder College in Missouri, many World War II era veterans return to the site of Camp Crowder. A museum on campus highlights the glory years of the retired fort. Fort Riley, Kansas and Fort Lawton, Oklahoma are just two of many military posts open to visitors.
All gifts for veterans don’t have to reflect military service but it’s a wonderful tribute when it happens. The gift of listening to the old stories and learning about the past is a very worthy one to many veterans.
Remember all veterans and their service to the nation with respect. Respect the flag at all times and honor those who helped foot the bill for our freedom.
