How to Honor Veterans in Assisted Living Homes
Veterans of World War II are over 80 years old now. Many of these members of the "Greatest Generation" are in assisted living centers and welcome visitors and special activities. Honor these veterans by planning an event on patriotic holidays to thank them for their service.
- Remember Memorial Day with flags. Decorate each veteran's door with an American flag. Add a sign stating the name, service branch and unit of each veteran. Add crepe paper streamers and red, white and blue stars to make the door festive.
- Record memories on D-Day. June 6, 1944, called D-Day, was the day of the invasion of France by the Allies. This special day will bring back many memories for the veterans. Record these memories as a living history project. Get permission from each veteran to publish his memories. Donate the completed project to a local library or university.
- Host a sing-a-long on the Fourth of July. This holiday honoring the founding of the country is a good time for a sing-a-long. Reserve the recreation room and decorate it in red, white and blue. Get CDs of World War II songs for the veterans to enjoy and remember their days as G.I Joes. Many libraries allow patrons to borrow CDs for free. Visit the residents in advance to see if there are any special song requests.
- Give an ice cream social on Veterans' Day. Reserve the recreation room for a special reception honoring the veterans. Check with a local ice cream parlor about sponsoring old-fashioned ice cream sodas and banana splits.
- Have a religious service on Pearl Harbor Day. For many World War II veterans, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941 is an especially somber memory. Remember this "day that will live in infamy" with a religious service honoring the fallen soldiers and sailors.