Do Your Part: Veterans Day - Blue Star Families

This Veterans Day ...

As the nation’s largest nonprofit organization supporting military and Veteran families, we understand that it will take all of us, doing our part, to make a difference. Blue Star Families appreciates your commitment to our nation. #DoYourPart

Veterans Day Message from Our CEO

Ways to 'Do Your Part' this Veterans Day

Blue Star Families empowers communities to support military and Veteran families year-round through initiatives focused on connection and community, job and economic security, and military youth well-being. Our goal is to ensure that every military and Veteran family feels at home, no matter where in the world their duties take them.

Get Deals for Veterans

View Messages of Thanks

Join our Veteran Group

Attend a Veterans Day Event

Volunteer with BSF

Make a Donation

Veterans Day Honor Wall

There is no better time than Veterans Day to recognize that our freedom isn't guaranteed. It's protected by the men and women in our Armed Services and we owe each and every one of them our gratitude. Please sign this virtual card to thank a Veteran for their service this Veterans Day!

Sign the Virtual Card

Thank you for what you have done to serve our country! Though I do not know you personally, you have a special place in my heart. I will always be thankful.

Sarah B.

Lone Rock, WI

Hope all finds you well.Thank you so much for your Service 🇺🇲 So Many are Thankful & sending thoughts of peace, health & wellbeing. Prayers & God Bless you. Semper Fi ❤️🙏🇺🇲

Petra M.

Springfield, MA

Thank so for your service and sacrifices.

Shaina M.

Fort Irwin, CA

Thank you to all our past, present and future service men and women. You give all for us. I appreciate you. I support you. I love and respect you. Please stay strong. I pray for you. Thank you. God Bless you. Love, A Navy Mom

Natalie R.

Burbank, CA

thank you for everything

Cooper S.

Kansas City, MO

Freedom isn't Free. We are very Thankful for you & all who have Served. My son is a Marine Vet but still working with the Military far away. We now have Vets from a the branches of the Military in our family. God Speed & may you have a blessed day. Semper Fi ♥️🙏🇺🇸

Petra M.

Springfield, MA

Thank you for the awesome service you have provided. May God continue to bless you and your family and love ones.

Marlon B.

Thank you so much for all you do! I know we are strangers to each other, but I am so extremely appreciative of all who fought and still fight for our country. Have a wonderful day 🙂

Ashlynn O.

Dorr, MI

I am the son of WW2 survivors. If not for our brave service members, my parents may have perished in the Italy during the war. And if the war had ended differently they definitely would not have immigrated to the US where they met and began a 62 year love story. So I thank all veterans, retired and active duty, past and present, who represent...

Gino S.

Lakewood, NJ

Dearest Veteran, I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your service to protect me, my family and the many citizens of the United States. I'm so grateful for your service! Because of you, my family is able to partake in the many freedoms across our great country. Thank you for your unselfish service, it will never go unnoticed.

Kelly S.

Blaine, MN

Thank you for your service.

Gavin B.

thank you for your service

Annabelle H.

Perkins, OK

Exclusive Deals for Veterans

Your service enables us to remain free. As a token of our gratitude, explore our exclusive deals list, featuring fantastic offers just for you.

Get Deals for Veterans

Happy-Veterans-Day-from-Blue-Star-Families!

Play Video

Watch A Mother's Grief

Our Support Circles provide a welcoming space for sharing and healing. Connect with those who understand your experiences, support each other, and find hope together.

Check out our newest PSA and join us.

Join Support Circles

AARP Home Modifications

We partnered with AARP to share essential resources on home modifications for Veterans that enhance safety, boost independence, and create a more enjoyable living space.

Watch the Replay

Send a Message of Thanks
There is no better time than Veterans Day to recognize that our freedom isn't guaranteed. It's protected by the men and women in our Armed Services and we owe each and every one of them our gratitude. Please sign this virtual card to thank a Veteran for their service this Veterans Day!

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Message Category

Veterans Day

Memorial Day
First Name(Required)
Last Name(Required)
Email(Required)

Your City(Required)
Your State(Required)
Your Message(Required)
What best describes you?(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Google Employee
I am a Google employee.

Join the nation's largest digital community solely focused on supporting military-connected families.

Join us in The Neighborhood

What is the significance of Veterans Day?

Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is a U.S. holiday honoring all who served in the Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I in 1918 and was renamed in 1954 to recognize veterans from all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors fallen soldiers, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans with parades, ceremonies, and expressions of gratitude nationwide.

Learn More About Veterans Day:

Origins and History

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. The holiday honored those who served in "the war to end all wars." In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress amended the holiday to honor all American veterans, renaming it Veterans Day to celebrate the service of veterans from all wars.

Modern Observance

Today, Veterans Day is observed as a federal holiday on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. This allows Americans nationwide to remember and thank veterans for their service. The observance includes ceremonies at military cemeteries and war memorials, notably at Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Many government offices and schools close, though some businesses remain open and may offer discounts to veterans.

Significance

Veterans Day holds deep significance as a day of national gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made by veterans in defense of American values. It serves as a reminder of the personal and collective impact of military service, honoring the courage and commitment of all veterans, both in times of conflict and peace. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically remembers fallen service members, Veterans Day celebrates the contributions of all veterans.

Traditions and Cultural Impact

Traditions on Veterans Day include parades, patriotic events, and observances of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, symbolizing the end of World War I hostilities. Many communities organize events where veterans share their experiences, and schools often educate students on military history and the meaning of service. In popular culture, Veterans Day reinforces the role of the armed forces in shaping American identity, emphasizing values of service, duty, and national pride.