Celebrated on November 11 each year, Veterans Day honors those who served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans risk their lives to defend our nation. While some have died in the line of duty, others are currently facing serious health problems like mesothelioma.
In commemoration of Veterans Day 2023, learn how you can honor our country’s veterans.
Veterans Day 2023 Explained
Veterans Day is a time to celebrate those who made the brave choice to enlist in the U.S. military and defend their country.
The holiday’s date coincides with the end of World War I, which formally concluded on November 11, 1918. Unlike Memorial Day — which honors those who have died defending our country — Veterans Day celebrates all living U.S. military members.
On Veterans Day, it’s important to highlight the sacrifices that military service members have made. While many veterans are still with us today, they may be suffering from service-related health problems. This includes mesothelioma, a rare and fatal form of cancer that is caused only by asbestos exposure.
Veterans & Mesothelioma Risks
Between the 1930s and 1980s, the military relied on asbestos for building materials without concern for its dangers. As a result, U.S. veterans make up one-third of all mesothelioma cases.
The makers of asbestos-based products intentionally hid the dangers of asbestos in an effort to increase profits. Once the truth was publicly revealed, the U.S. military took steps to remove asbestos from bases, vehicles, and ships. However, the damage had already been done since thousands of service members and their families had already been exposed to asbestos.
Veterans Day is a great time to remind veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that you care about them, are proud of their service, and understand their ongoing health battles.
4 Ways to Honor Service Members on Veterans Day 2023
There are a number of ways you can celebrate Veterans Day this year, from large-scale events to one-on-one activities with the veterans in your life.
We’re sharing 4 specific ideas below.
1. Visit a Veteran
Veterans Day can be a great time to visit the veterans you love. A surprise visit from a relative can make all the difference to a veteran, especially if they are facing mesothelioma or another serious illness.
If you can’t visit them in person, call them up on the phone or schedule a video chat through FaceTime, Zoom, or another online platform.
2. Make a Donation
Donating to a veterans organization or cancer research foundation is a great way to honor veterans who have passed away.
You can make donations to:
- Disabled American Veterans: This nonprofit organization helps veterans access benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), gives them rides to VA hospitals if they live far away, and helps them find jobs.
- Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: More commonly known as the Meso Foundation, this group aims to find a cure for mesothelioma and support those affected by this rare form of cancer. Some of the world’s top mesothelioma doctors serve on the organization’s board of directors.
- Wounded Warrior Project: This organization supports veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001. With the help of Wounded Warrior Project, veterans can get help accessing VA benefits, find support from others who served, and receive support for their mental and physical health.
3. Participate in Veterans Day Events
There are thousands of local and national events planned for Veterans Day in 2023. Check your local newspaper or veterans organizations to see what activities are scheduled in your area.
Veterans Day is often celebrated with:
- 5K walks and races
- Ceremonies
- Parades
If you live near Arlington, Virginia, consider attending the Veterans Day National Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. This year’s ceremony will take place on November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m ET.
The event is open to the public and includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations, a military flyover, and speeches from dignitaries and other guests.
4. Celebrate Those Who Served on Veterans Day 2023
Veterans Day is a reminder that all who served in the U.S. military deserve our respect and praise.
Whether you attend an in-person ceremony, simply thank a veteran, or host a gathering to celebrate, make sure you take time out of your day to make them feel honored and respected.
Help for Veterans With Mesothelioma
On Veterans Day 2023, we humbly thank all U.S. military veterans for their service.
Mesothelioma Hope is dedicated to helping veterans who have developed mesothelioma after serving their country.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of your service in the U.S. military, you may be entitled to VA benefits and financial aid.
Our Patient Advocates can help you learn more about mesothelioma veterans benefits and explore all your options for compensation.
Call (866) 608-8933 today or fill out our contact form to get personalized help and support.
