Photo: (Getty)
It's Veterans Day, an annual national holiday to give thanks to the men and women who've so bravely served our country. Here are a few ways to help out today, and every day.
+ Join Applebee's Thank You Movement
Applebees is giving free meals to vets all day. Join the restaurant's Thank You Movement to give much-deserved thanks to current and former servicemen and women. Show your appreciation on social media with the hashtag #ThankYouMovement. Millions of people already have!
+ Support the Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project aims to help servicemen and women who are hurt, either mentally or physically, while serving our country. It's the organization's goal to raise the "most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history." WWP has served over 35,648 wounded warriors and 4,181 family members as of August 2013. Support their work by donating whatever you can to the cause.
+ American Women Veterans
People often wrongly think of soldiers as male, but there are currently 1.8 million female vets in the U.S. alone! Much like Katy Perry did in her "Part Of Me" music vid, American Woman Veterans is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of badass servicewomen, veterans and their families. Support AWV's work by volunteering or sharing your own or someone else's female veteran story on the org's website.
+ Student Veterans of America
The unemployment rate for veterans is 3 percent higher than the rest of the population. Student Veterans of America works to get vets through school, and supports them as they seek employment after graduation. Donate whatever you can to the org if you believe vets deserve to find work after they work their butts off serving our country!
+ Tweet Your Support
You don't have to have money to show our vets some love. Use the hashtags #ThankYouVeterans and #VeteransDay on social media to let people know you care, and to raise awareness for veteran's issues. For example, one third of the U.S. adult homeless population is veterans, often due to a lack of support for those whose physical and mental health are compromised during combat. Click the action link below for a quick and easy pre-made #ThankYouVeterans Tweet!
