On November 11 each year, America celebrates Veterans Day — a time dedicated to the brave men and women in uniform who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In a message to veterans, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins said, “We appreciate you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for raising that right hand and saying yes to making our military the best in the world."
In addition to honoring the courage and dedication of those who have served, Veterans Day is also a time to recognize the battles many veterans continue to fight after their military service — and support efforts that help them access the care and resources they need.
Service-related injuries and illnesses can have lasting effects, and some may not appear for decades. For example, veterans exposed to asbestos during their service are at risk of developing serious illnesses like mesothelioma 20 to 50 years later.
Every year, Sokolove Law celebrates Veterans Day as a way to honor and support those who served.
9 Ways to Show Your Support for Veterans in 2025
Showing support for veterans is about expressing gratitude, recognizing the impacts of their service, and taking tangible steps to improve their well-being.
Whether through volunteering, advocacy work, or raising awareness of the challenges veterans face, your actions can have a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.
Find out about different ways to honor U.S. military veterans this Veterans Day.
1. Donate to a Trusted Organization
Veterans organizations and other non-profits do important work by supporting soldiers after duty in a wide array of areas, from mental health assistance to career planning and beyond. Some also do research into service-related illnesses like mesothelioma to seek a cure.
This Veterans Day, consider donating to any of the following organizations:
- Disabled American Veterans
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- National Association of Black Veterans
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Wounded Warrior Project
Even a small contribution can make a real difference in a veteran's life and help ensure they receive the support and resources they deserve.
2. Attend a Veterans Day Event
Veterans Day events, including concerts, dinners, fairs, and parades, will take place all across the nation on November 11, 2025. These events provide American civilians ample opportunities to demonstrate their support.
When it comes to supporting the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, simply “showing up” is significant and meaningful. It’s perhaps the easiest way to demonstrate your support.
Look through your local newspaper or delve into online searches to find Veterans Day 2025 events in your community.
3. Take the Time to Ask a Veteran About Their Service
The sacrifices veterans make are sometimes overlooked. Taking the time to speak with a veteran about their service can show them that their sacrifices are recognized and valued.
Listening to their experiences can also provide you with a deeper understanding of what life in the military entails.
A few questions to consider asking include:
- When were you drafted or when did you enlist? If you enlisted, what motivated you to join the military?
- What were your jobs or assignments during your service?
- Which wars or conflicts did you serve in?
- Did you have any mentors or people who inspired you while in the military?
- How did your military experience shape the person you are today?
Even a brief conversation can give veterans the opportunity to share their stories and let them know that someone cares about their experiences.
4. Visit a VA Hospital
Donating to charities is one great way to demonstrate your support for American veterans, but you can also donate your time. In honor of Veterans Day this year, consider signing up to volunteer at a local VA hospital.
Many VA hospitals and veteran organizations welcome volunteers for various roles, from providing companionship to helping with community events.
5. Deliver Dinner to a Veteran’s Home
The love and care that goes into preparing a home-cooked meal can be quite heartwarming, but some veterans may not be able to take the time to cook for themselves due to illness or other disabilities.
So, in honor of Veterans Day this year, consider making a veteran a home-cooked meal and dropping it off at their front door with instructions for reheating.
6. Fly an American Flag
If you are able to fly the American flag at your home, consider proudly displaying the country’s red, white, and blue to show your support for veterans.
Around this time of year, many Americans choose to fly the flag and keep it flying throughout the entire holiday season.
7. Shop at Veteran-Owned Businesses
As veterans return to normal civilian life and begin contributing to the workforce, it is vital that community members find ways to support their work. One great way to show your appreciation is by shopping at a local, veteran-owned business.
Check to see if there are any veteran-owned businesses in your neighborhood. Shopping online is also a great way to support veteran-owned businesses nationwide.
A few popular veteran-owned businesses include:
- Black Rifle Coffee Company (coffee)
- Bravo Sierra (deodorant)
- Combat Flip Flops (footwear)
- Dashfire Beards (facial hair products)
- GORUCK (backpacks/rucksacks)
- Spouse-ly (artwork)
- Teak & Twine (gifts)
- Smoked Bros (barbecue seasonings and spices)
Shopping at a small, veteran-owned business can make a meaningful financial impact on the lives of those who served.
8. Learn the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day is a common mistake many Americans make. The mistake may rightly frustrate veterans and perhaps make them feel others don’t care about or understand the sacrifices they have made.
So, if you haven’t already, be sure to commit to memory the difference between Memorial Day — which honors military members who have died — and Veterans Day, which recognizes and honors all of America’s veterans.
9. Express Your Gratitude
This Veterans Day, take the extra time and effort necessary to let a veteran know their sacrifices are deeply appreciated. Saying “thank you for your service” may seem like a small gesture, but it can go a long way.
On the surface, it may not be easy to tell how deep a veteran’s scars may go — and the personal work, commitment, and sacrifice it takes to heal those scars cannot be underestimated.
The least any member of the public can do is express their sincerest gratitude for the men and women who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to help defend America at home and abroad.
Veterans & the Risk of Mesothelioma
During this time of year, it's especially important to remember the veterans whose military assignments unknowingly impacted their health.
U.S. veterans currently make up 33% of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. This mineral was widely used by all branches of the military for much of the 20th century.
U.S. Navy veterans at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma due to the extensive use of asbestos on naval ships and throughout shipyards.
Veterans whose mesothelioma diagnosis is connected to the work they performed while in the military may be entitled to VA benefits. Compensation may also be available from legal claims.
At Sokolove Law, we can help veterans with mesothelioma prepare their VA claims and seek justice by filing a mesothelioma lawsuit against the manufacturers responsible for their asbestos exposure.
"Veterans have a right to hold responsible the companies that produced and sold asbestos-containing materials to the military. Filing an asbestos legal claim does not impact VA benefits."
– Ricky LeBlanc, VA-Accredited Attorney at Sokolove Law
Get Help from a VA-Accredited Attorney
At Sokolove Law, our mesothelioma law firm is committed to supporting U.S. veterans. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness in connection with military service, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Over the last 45+ years, we've secured more than $5.3 Billion for families impacted by mesothelioma, including over $1.3 Billion for U.S. military veterans.
In fact, our lawyers have helped 9,200+ clients with asbestos-related diseases, and more than 40% of all Sokolove Law mesothelioma claims involve U.S. veterans.
By working with Sokolove Law, you can partner with a VA-accredited attorney who has extensive experience helping veterans and their families.
Call (800) 647-3434 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
