5 Wonderful Ways To Honor Veterans In Your HOA

Veterans Day holds a significant meaning in the United States. During this day, Americans take part in activities that support and celebrate veterans and military personnel. Here are some of the best ways to honor veterans in HOA communities.

How to Honor Veterans in HOA Communities

Veterans Day takes place on November 11 every year. This federal holiday began as Armistice Day, which marked the unofficial end of World War I. It was initially meant to commemorate the veterans who served in WWI, but it eventually became a day to honor all veterans.

One of the best things about living in a homeowners association is getting to participate in a wide range of events. With several holidays spread throughout the year, HOA communities have many opportunities to organize events and bring residents together. And while holidays such as the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving tend to be more popular, a good number of associations also give attention to Veterans Day.

Below, you will find great ways to honor veterans in HOA communities.

1. Encourage Residents to Attend a Ceremony

Cities and communities usually have their own Veterans Day celebrations. During this time, you will come across ceremonies, parades, and other fun activities. If your community can swing it, consider holding your own parade or organizing fun activities for everyone. Alternatively, you can print out a list of activities happening in your area and encourage residents to show their support.

On Veterans Day, an annual remembrance ceremony also takes place at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony is open to the public and sees about 5,000 visitors every year. If residents can’t attend the ceremony in person, your HOA can organize a community live stream at your clubhouse. Many news channels and websites broadcast the event on the day.

2. Volunteer or Donate

Volunteering is a sincere way to honor veterans. Homeowners associations can organize a community-wide volunteer program and sign up at a local veterans service organization (VSO). VSOs are essential because they focus on the struggles that veterans go through, including PTSD, suicide prevention, therapy, career transition, and housing.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a way for Americans to volunteer. Encourage residents to sign up to volunteer at a facility by filling out this online form. Homeowners associations can also partner with a local nonprofit that supports veterans and their families.

While volunteering is a more personal way of showing your appreciation for veterans, not everyone has the time to do so. Fortunately, there is more than one way to honor veterans in HOA communities.

Homeowners associations can organize a donation drive with the aim of raising money for veterans’ charities and nonprofits. Residents can donate at a facility and donate items, activities, or money. Alternatively, you also have the option to donate online. Donations can go a long way, especially for families who lost a loved one while in service.

3. Recognize the Veterans in the Community

There are millions of veterans in the United States today. As such, there are bound to be some veterans in your association. If you want to celebrate veterans in your HOA community, you have a couple of options.

First, recognize veterans and share their stories in your association’s newsletter, email blasts, and social media pages. Highlight their accomplishments, challenges, sacrifices, and general experiences. This will give non-veteran residents a deeper appreciation for their service. Of course, make sure to seek their approval first before publishing their names and stories.

The second option is to host a dinner honoring veterans and letting them tell their stories in person. Civilian residents can learn about the experiences of their veteran neighbors. Veteran residents will, in turn, feel appreciated. The dinner can also help foster a sense of community.

It doesn’t even have to be a formal dinner. Even a simple get-together where homeowners can bring food, potluck-style, can go a long way. Just make sure the social committee makes plans ahead of time to iron out the venue and the attendees.

4. Educate

Far too many students and children don’t know the meaning behind Veterans Day. To them, it’s just another day off from school. Therefore, homeowners associations can take this opportunity to help educate the kids in the community.

Consider organizing a day of activities that will allow them to learn about the holiday. You can use coloring sheets, trivia games, and kid-friendly videos. You can also invite a veteran, resident or otherwise, to speak to the kids. While it is important for children to know about Veterans Day, make sure to keep everything G-rated.

5. Fly the American Flag

Perhaps the simplest way to honor veterans this Veterans Day is to display the U.S. flag where appropriate. Typically, for homeowners associations, that means common areas such as clubhouses, community entrances, and on light poles that line the streets of the neighborhood. There is nothing like seeing the American flag to ignite patriotism in residents.

Similarly, HOAs can encourage homeowners to fly the American flag as well. For both homeowners and the HOA, though, it is imperative to fly the flag in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. Some important provisions include:

• Display the flag from sunrise to sunset.
• Flags may be displayed 24 hours a day but must be properly illuminated during dark hours.
• Flags must never touch the ground.
• Unless using an all-weather flag, flags must be taken indoors during inclement weather.
• No drawings, markings, or insignia must appear on the flags.

Moreover, boards must remind homeowners of the association’s flag rules. Inform owners that any violation of the flag rules can result in fines, provided state laws and your governing documents allow the imposition of fines.

More Ways Than One

As you can see, there are many ways you can honor veterans in HOA communities. Instead of treating the day like any other ordinary day, set aside time to plan for Veterans Day activities. In doing so, the community can show appreciation and support to veterans and military personnel.

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