How You Can Honor American Veterans in November

A Time for Reflection

Image courtesy of Thomas Louizeau.

November is the start of an exciting holiday season for many families, but for others, November carries even greater significance as it is National Veteran and Military Families Month. This title was first given to the month of November in 1966, however, Veterans Day itself has been recognized nationally since 1918. Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day honors “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 that marked the ending of World War I. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, such as the 19 million living veterans who have served in at least one war. 

Mental Health

Understanding veterans’ mental health is another important cause that comes with Veterans Day. Many veterans face challenges when transitioning back into their daily lives such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), financial issues, struggling with their new identity, and cognitive disorders. About 20% of veterans struggle with PTSD, as compared to 7% of the general adult population, and some veterans also face injuries that impact their mobility and brain function. Homelessness also greatly impacts U.S. veterans. Right now, about 1.4 million veterans are at risk of homelessness due to a lack of support and affordable housing. 

Image courtesy of Foar from Home.

Foar from Home

Organizations like Foar From Home work to help veterans overcome these issues. Foar From Home is a group of four veterans who are rowing across the U.S. to raise awareness for veteran PTSD and suicide. They host events throughout Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville to help raise money for their cause. Some other ways you can show support to veterans in your community include volunteering for nonprofits like Disabled American Veterans and donating to local shelters.

Fernandina Beach Lobster Fest-To-Go

The Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise is hosting a Lobster Fest event on November 19th to benefit Foar From Home and other local non-profit organizations. The club will fly hundreds of Maine lobsters to Fernandina Beach as part of their drive-through event. You can purchase live or cooked lobsters from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Atlantic Recreation Center, and tickets for this event are already on sale.

Image courtesy of the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise.

After the event, be sure to stop by Timoti’s Fernandina Beach location for more seafood and family fun.