Independence Day is a highly celebrated holiday in the United States. Parades through the streets, family and friends gather for cookouts, and fireworks are all staples and traditions of this historic day.
The sacrifices that our veterans have made to make this day possible are the reasons we are able to celebrate our independence and freedoms. Celebrating the Fourth of July with the senior veteran in your life is a great way to honor and commemorate him or her.
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McClellan Senior Living, located in Anniston, Alabama, honors our veterans through the care that we provide every day. We want to help you make Independence Day special for your senior veteran by sharing five ways to celebrate this day with him or her.
We also understand that there is still uncertainty and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. We are sharing this article in the hopes that it helps you plan and celebrate future holidays once social distancing is no longer necessary!
Family Gatherings
Family gatherings are a great way to celebrate any occasion, but spending Independence Day with family and friends is a great way to include the senior veteran in your life in the festivities. Simply being around the people you care about makes the day special.
Sometimes, however, this is not always a possibility. If you and your family live far away from each other and it is not feasible to travel, use technology to your advantage. FaceTime or video chat with your senior veteran.
At the very least, give them a call and talk on the phone. Use this holiday as a way to let the senior veteran in your life know that you are thinking about them and want to celebrate with them – no matter the distance!
Send Thank You Letters or Cards
This is another great way to celebrate the Fourth of July with the senior veteran in your life, especially if you live far away from each other. Sending a thank you letter or card will show them that you are thinking about them and expressing gratitude for the sacrifices they made to make this day possible.
By sending a thank you letter or card, you acknowledge that your senior veteran played a role in this holiday and are taking the time to show appreciation and connect with them.
Uphold Family Traditions
Family traditions are what make any holiday or celebration special, and every family has its way of celebrating significant moments and events. What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July with the senior veteran in your life than to honor and keep these traditions alive?
Do you always attend the local July 4th parade? Do you have a specific spot to watch the fireworks? Upholding your family’s traditions and involving the senior veteran in your life makes the day all the more special for everyone.
Help a Veteran Share His or Her Story
As a family grows and generations are added, it is important to pass down family stories and history. The senior veteran in your life has many stories to tell, so encourage him or her to share them with the family and younger generations.
At your family gathering this Independence Day, gather the children and adults together and ask the older adults questions to spark the storytelling conversation. Whether it’s about their time spent in the armed forces, or simply memories from their childhood, these gatherings are a great way to connect multiple generations.
Honor the Senior Veteran’s Requests
It could be possible that the Fourth of July brings up unfavorable memories and feelings for the senior veteran in your life. If this is the case, honor the requests that he or she has vocalized. By doing so, you are acknowledging their feelings and are showing him or her respect. These requests present an opportunity for you to celebrate Independence Day in a different way and include your family member, so he or she feels comfortable.
At McClellan Senior Living, we use the activities and the care we provide in everyday life to honor and respect the veterans that have made so many sacrifices. Contact our senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, to learn more about the services and amenities we offer.